Las Vegas, Nevada – September 10: Brazil’s Nicole Cagliari has her hands bandaged before a match. … [+]
The fifth episode of season eight of Dana White’s Contender Series was perhaps the most eventless episode of the year, as a leading contender reportedly withdrew from the bout for reasons unknown, and we lost.
We saw three knockouts and a contract winner, but only one that was memorable. In fact, one of the fighters who won by TKO didn’t even get offered a contract. Maybe White and I are being a little too naive.
Either way, let’s take a look at the results and who won the contract.
Results and Winners
Navajo Sterling (contract winner) defeated Philip Latu by TKO at 2:21 of the second round
Las Vegas, NV – September 10th: (RL) Navajo Starling of New Zealand knocks out Philip Latu … [+]
Despite only having four professional fights under his belt, Sterling looked the most poised and polished of the players competing at the Apex on Tuesday.
From the start of the first round, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before he caught Latu.
That moment came in the second round, when the City Kickboxing alumnus Whyte dropped Latu with a left hook, scoring a one-punch KO and sealing a contract offer from Whyte.
Yousri Belgarui (no contract offer) defeated Taiga Iwasaki by TKO at 2:34 of the third round
Las Vegas, NV – September 10: (RL) Yousri Vergarooi of the Netherlands … [+]
Bergarui got a second chance at the DWCS. He lost his first bout to Marco Tullio (who just earned his contract last week) in August 2023. Bergarui dealt with Lyme disease and other issues during that bout but was healthy for the match against Iwasaki.
Bergarui was the biggest favorite on the card and despite having a significant physical advantage, seemed to struggle to beat his inferior opponent.
Although Vergarui won the final round, neither White nor I were impressed with his performance.
Josias Musasa (contract winner) defeated Otari Tanjirovi by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Las Vegas, NV – September 10: (RL) Josias Musasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo throws a punch … [+]
If DWCS had awarded this episode a Fight of the Night bonus, Tuesday’s fight between Moussa and Tanjirovi would have been the winner. Both fighters fought hard, but Moussa emerged victorious via controversial split decision.
I thought Tanjirovi might have done enough to win, and White thought so too, but Moussa’s pressure, takedown defense and physical superiority impressed both judges, who awarded him the win.
White says both fighters deserve a chance at UFC, and Tanjirovi will likely get another chance at DWCS in the future.
Nicole Cagliari (contract winner) defeated Colleen Laframboise by submission at 4:45 of the 1st round (armbar)
Las Vegas, NV – September 10: Nicole Cagliari of Brazil wins via armbar … [+]
There were some shaky moments in the early stages but Cagliari eventually dominated on the ground and proved tough enough in the stands, beating Laframboise relatively quickly to open the show.
Cagliari won by armbar and earned herself a contract, and while I don’t think she’ll develop into a top contender, it will be interesting to see how her career develops.
Kemuel Ottoni, who beat Alex Pereira in 2015, pulled out of a bout with Cody Steele. White said Steele has made weight and is ready to take the bout and will be paid his appearance fee.
