Ayub Gimbatov
Record: 10-1
Age: 29
Height: 6’1″
Birthplace: Russia
[autotag]Ayub Gimbatov[/autotag] presents a higher-level resume than your average Dana White’s Contender Series competitor. However, when it’s DWCS season, the promotion is much more hesitant to make direct-to-UFC-roster signings. It could be Gimbatov’s only way into the UFC for the time being. As for his skills, he’s an excellent fighter who’s taken on experienced competition. Gimbatov has seven finishes by a variety of methods and is riding a five-fight winning streak. In his most recent outing in January, Gimbatov finished UFC veteran Steven Kennedy with strikes in 34 seconds. The time is now for the Russian middleweight to ring the UFC’s doorbell. Let’s see if the UFC lets him in.
Impa Kasanganay
Record: 6-0
Age: 26
Height: 5’11”
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fight fans likely remember [autotag]Impa Kasanganay[/autotag] as being one of the, if not the most impressive fighter from Season 2 of “Dana White’s Contender Series” not to earn a UFC deal. Despite being the perceived “B-side” of his matchup against then-undefeated Kailin Hill, Congolese-American Kasanganay put on a tactical, dominant performance against the LFA veteran. It earned massive underdog Kasanganay the nod from all three judges, but UFC president Dana White sent him back to the regional scene to get more experience. Since DWCS, Kasanganay has been unlucky. Three of his regional fights have been cancelled, and he hasn’t been able to compete. Improvement comes in the gym, however, so maybe he’s made the strides the promotion was looking for. The best way to find out is for him to return at DWCS.
Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz
Record: 8-0
Age: 30
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace: Germany
Underrated and undefeated, Germany’s [autotag]Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz[/autotag] has torn up the Canadian regional scene and beyond. A professional since 2011, Ksiazkiewicz hasn’t been as active as your average regional fighter. However, he’s been consistent – which is much more important. From October 2016 to August 2018, Ksiazkiewicz went on a 22-month hiatus. Upon his return, he looked as sharp as ever. Since then, Ksiazkiewicz has finished two opponents with a combined record of 25-10 (at the time of the fight). In eight fights, only one opponent has lasted the full 15 minutes with Ksiazkiewicz. A lengthy, aggressive fighter, Ksiazkiewicz goes for the kill at all times. Dana White and Co. will likely love “The Iron Pol” should he have the chance to compete in front of them this summer.