Dana White’s Contender Series returned on Tuesday for another evening of intriguing action as promising contenders scrambled for a shot at earning a UFC deal.
Three fighters received advertising contracts as a result of their performances, including a fighter involved in the development of the UFC. William Knight (8-1) who returned and finished off the opponent Cody Brandage (5-1) with punches in the 1st round. The knight was on horseback at the start of the fight, but flipped the position, landing with elbows like Travis Brown in the cage. The elbows were the beginning of the end for Brandage, who struck a few punches later.
Heavy outsider Ronnie Lawrence (6-1) punched, kicked and made his way into the UFC, winning by unanimous decision over Jose Johnson (11-6). Lawrence was relentless from start to finish. UFC President Dana White praised the winners of the night’s contract and called Lawrence “special.”
Submission guru Jimmy Flick (15-5) earned a submission in the third round after a dominant marathon with a heavy tackle Nate Smith (6-1). After attempting to choke the arm, guillotine, d’Arce and triangle choke, Flick finally received a choke choke blow.
White proposed Smith as well as a winner in the main event. Melsik Baghdasaryan (5-1) and DWCS 31 Curtain Winner Tucker Lutz (10-1), slots for the next season of Dana White’s Contender Series. White announced that the series is expected to return in November after a short hiatus.
Bagdarsaryan defeated team member Longo-Serra Dennis Buzuchia (4-2) by unanimous decision, multiple fights after Lutz defeated a substitute in a short time Chase Gibson (9-5) By unanimous decision.
Dana White’s Contender Series 31 results include:
Melsik Baghdasaryan, def. Dennis Buzuchia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Jimmy Flick defended. Nate Smith Submission (Triangle Choke) – Round 3, 3:15 Ronnie Lawrence, win. Jose Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) William Knight def. Cody Brandage by TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:23 Tucker Lutz, def. Chase Gibson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
