Dana White’s Contender Series has become a focal point for fighters on the regional scene looking to make it to the next level. Since its inception in 2017, the UFC Fight Pass-turned-ESPN+ summer original removed some of the guesswork for up-and-comers trying to make it big.
With UFC president Dana White and matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby cageside, the stakes are high. Have an impressive, exciting win on the show, and you’re in.
Rumored for a late-June 2020 start date, DWCS Season 4 is almost here. The lineups haven’t been announced quite yet, but advanced planning is underway. While there are hundreds of fighters qualified to compete on the show, we’ll be narrowing each divisional pool to 10 you should expect to see on the show this summer.
Up next, the lightweights.
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Rafael Alves
Record: 18-9
Age: 29
Height: 5’7″
Birthplace: Belem, Para, Brazil
[autotag]Rafael Alves[/autotag] was supposed to compete on season 3 of DWCS. UFC president Dana White sat cageside at Alves’ most recent fight in April 2019. Impressed with what he saw, White offered Alves a roster slot. However, for unknown reasons, the offer didn’t turn into reality. Alves didn’t fight on DWCS – and hasn’t competed since that April bout. Assuming the offer still stands, Alves is a great addition to the DWCS lineup. He brings veteran savvy, excitement, and well-roundedness. It wasn’t a straight incline for Alves when moving up the regional rankings, but the current product is a good one. DWCS would prove it.
Mike Breeden
Record: 8-2
Age: 30
Height: 5’10”
Birthplace: United States
An exciting and flashy striker, [autotag]Mike Breeden[/autotag] has built a deep highlight reel just 10 fights into his pro career. Training under James Krause at Glory MMA and Fitness, Breeden has improved all aspects of his game since his pro debut in 2017. In his most recent fight at LFA 77 in September 2017, Breeden turned heads with his flying knee knockout of Brandon Jenkins. The victory extended his winning streak to three – just in time to be recruited for the Season 4 of DWCS.