UFC’s prospect hunting series “Dana White’s Contender Series” is set to hold it’s fifth week of season three on Tuesday. On the show, 10 fighters will compete for a spot on the UFC roster. Follow along throughout the evening for updates.
Quick Results:
Bout 1: Tucker Lutz def. Chase Gibson via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 2: William Knight def. Cody Brundage via TKO, Strikes (RD 1, 2:23)
Bout 3: Ronnie Lawrence def. Jose Johnson via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 4: Jimmy Flick def. Nate Smith via Submission, Arm Triangle Choke (RD 3, 3:15)
Bout 5: Melsik Baghdasaryan def Dennis Buzukja via Decision, Unanimous
Live Coverage:
Knight, Lawrence and Flick Earn UFC Contracts
At the end of the episode, UFC President Dana White awarded contracts to William Knight, Ronnie Lawrence and Jimmy Flick.
“I’ve been in this sport for over a decade … Tonight I had to come in and make a statement and I did,” said Flick, reflecting on his performance.
Bout 5: Melsik Baghdasaryan (4-1) vs. Dennis Buzukja (4-1) (Featherweight)
Baghdasaryan Picks Up Decision Win Against Buzukja
In the final fight of the card, Melsik Baghdasaryan defeated Dennis Buzukja via unanimous decision. The fight saw Baghdasaryan’s explosive striking earn him the win.
Buzukja was overwhelmed early with the striking that Baghdasaryan pressed forward with. As Baghdasaryan started to slow down, Buzukja was able to do more in the fight. Buzukja attempted an armbar in the final round.
Baghdasaryan’s career includes fights in boxing and kickboxing. He lost a 2018 matchup to Yuta Kubo, challenging for the K-1 Japan Welterweight Championship.
Baghdasaryan carried a four-fight winning streak into the fight that was attained in 2019.
Buzukja’s last fight was in February, defeating Tim Dooling to capture the Ring of Combat Featherweight Championship.
Baghdasaryan versus Buzukja play-by-play.
Bout 4: Jimmy Flick (14-5) vs. Nate Smith (6-0) (Flyweight)
Flick Ends Dominating Performance With Arm Triangle Choke
An overwhelming performance on the ground from Jimmy Flick concluded in the third round after making Nate Smith tap out from an arm triangle choke. The win ended the six-fight undefeated record of Smith.
The fight saw Flick showcase his versatility on the ground, being able to transition frequently and go from submission to submission.
“I’m the best flyweight grappler in the world and I proved it tonight,” said Flick in his post-fight interview.
Flick’s previous fight was in July, stopping Greg Fischer in the first round via arm triangle choke to win the LFA Flyweight Championship.
Smith had six fights as a pro before Tuesday, all of which were wins. His last fight was in February, defeating Sean Stebbins in the second round.
Flick versus Smith play-by-play.
Bout 3: Jose Johnson (11-5) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (5-1) (Bantamweight)
Takedowns Earn Lawrence Victory Over Johnson
A dominant performance earned Ronnie Lawrence a decision victory over Jose Johnson. The key to Lawrence’s victory was takedowns, securing over 10 through the three rounds of competition.
Johnson got the approval of UFC President Dana White afterwards, with White describing the fight as “awesome.” Lawrence on the other hand was critical of his performance.
“I just didn’t feel explosive tonight. No excuses, though,” said Lawrence in his post-fight interview.
The matchup was Lawrence’s first appearance in a year, with his previous fight being a win on an LFA card.
Johnson carried a five-fight winning streak into the cage. His most recent fight was a win last November in LFA which went viral due to the elbow knockout that Johnson delivered to Rafael Costa.
Lawrence versus Johnson play-by-play.
Bout 2: William Knight (7-1) vs. Cody Brundage (5-0) (Light Heavyweight)
Knight Hands Brundage First Loss With Explosive Elbows
William Knight got a sudden win over Cody Brundage, stopping the previously undefeated fighter with elbows in the third minute of action.
The stoppage came due to elbows that dropped Brundage while he shot for a takedown. Follow-up punches from Knight on the ground officially ended the fight.
Knight was in trouble earlier in the bout when Brundage was able to string together punches on the ground.
“In the beginning, it was a little rough but I got through it,” said Knight in his post-fight interview.
Brundage debuted as a pro fighter just over a year ago, winning five fights on the regional scene before fighting on Tuesday.
Knight appeared on the “Contender Series” in 2019, earning a developmental contract after stopping Herdem Alacabek in the third round. He has fought three times since then, getting a finish in the two fights he won.
Knight versus Brundage play-by-play.
Bout 1: Tucker Lutz (9-1) vs. Chase Gibson (9-4) (Lightweight)
Lutz Earns 10th Win As A Pro
Kicking off the show, Tucker Lutz won a three-round battle against Chase Gibson. The fight saw Lutz have success on the feet, landing numerous punches that clearly hurt Gibson.
Lutz was not satisfied with his performance afterwards.
“I’m just hoping that the grit was enough to get the contract tonight,” said Lutz in his post-fight interview.
Gibson attempted to finish the fight late in the final round, trying for a rear naked choke on the back of Lutz.
The win was the 10th consecutive for Lutz as a pro.
Gibson took the fight on a week’s notice, replacing Victor Martinez, who withdrew from his bout against Lutz.
Lutz versus Gibson play-by-play.
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