10 heavyweights you can expect to see on Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4

The return of Dana White’s Contender Series isn’t far off, and here are 10 big men who are candidates to appear on the show.

Anatoly Malykhin

Record: 8-0
Age: 32
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace:
Kemerovo, Russia

While there were some, there weren’t many Russian fighters featured in the first three seasons of DWCS. However, the series has become more globally encompassing each season. Enter [autotag]Anatoly Malykhin[/autotag]. A strong Russian heavyweight, Malykhin has outmuscled, outwrestled, and outlasted all eights opponents placed in front of his as a professional en route to an extensive perfect record. Despite having a wrestle-heavy attack, Malykhin always goes for the kill when the fight hits the mat – submission or TKO. Malykhin competed twice in Fight Nights Global, ending both fights inside the distance. In 2019, Malykin went 3-0 including a victory over former WSOF/PFl fighter and current RIZIN heavyweight Jake Heun.

Brett Martin

Record: 9-1
Age: 25
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace:
Hesperia, Mich.

When reviewing the United States regional scene, LFA titleholder [autotag]Brett Martin[/autotag] sits atop the heavyweight list. His most recent two victories came via disqualification, but Martin’s fights to reach that point show falling upwards isn’t responsible for his full notoriety. Prior to the two disqualification wins, Martin defeated legitimate competition including Josh Parisian, Ryan Pokryfky, and Jesse Hernandez. He holds four finishes, competing for other notable promotions WXC, Lights Out Championship, and KOP among others. If he gets through longtime regional legend Tony Lopez in late March, Martin will have compiled a 10-1 record.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 26: (L-R) Josh Parisian lands a spinning back fist against Greg Rebello in their heavyweight bout during Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series at the TUF Gym on June 26, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/DWTNCS LLC)

Josh Parisian

Record: 12-3
Age: 30
Height: 6’4″
Birthplace:
Escanaba, Mich.

[autotag]Josh Parisian[/autotag] has been there before. On season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Parisian stepped in on days’ notice to take on top New England heavyweight Greg Rebello. One spinning backfist later, Parisian picked up his second win in as many months. The knockout didn’t land him in the UFC, however. Instead, UFC president Dana White offered him a slot on The Ultimate Fighter 28. Parisian accepted, but was eliminated in the first round of the tournament by a wrestle-heavy opponent, Michel Bautista. Since TUF 28, Parisian has gone 5-1 with five TKO victories. Parisian fight at WXC 87 in April and should he win, he’ll be out of tests on the regional scene.

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