Tag: Dana White’s Contender Series 67

Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Grading the winners

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the performances of the five winners from Dana White’s Contender Series 67.

Week 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series (2024) took place on Tuesday, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Since its inception in 2017, this series has shown to have legs in multiple ways while serving as a crockpot for contenders the UFC matchmakers can use to fill their roster for future events. With that trend in mind, here are the grades for the winning fighters – regardless of whether or not they earned a UFC contract –  and an assessment of their probability to return to a UFC stage.

Lone’er Kavanagh

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: (R-L) Lone’er Kavanagh of England kicks An Tuan Ho of Vietnam in a flyweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week one on August 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Weight class: Flyweight
Result: Lone’er Kavanagh def. An Tuan Ho via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:35
Grade: A

Summary: Setting the tone for the night was a stunning knockout win by [auttotag]Lone’er Kavanagh[/autotag].

A half-Chinese phenom who hails from the United Kingdom, Kavanagh showed some flashes of his vaunted skills and swagger in what ultimately was a very short fight.

Kavanagh’s opponent, An Tuan Ho, was also a highly-touted prospect coming into this contest, but this night saw some brutal prospect losses for more than one undefeated fighter.

It’s nice to see that Kavanagh is also an explosive athlete to boot, which should serve him well in the weight class he competes in.

I’m also glad to see Dana White sign this kid without hesitation, as I hope that Kavanagh’s performance serves as a solid reminder for the UFC brass that flyweight is a banging division that deserves to be showcased.

Although Kavanagh appears ready enough for the winner or loser of next month’s matchup between Andre Lima vs. Felipe dos Santos, I suspect the promotion will put him up against Mitch Raposo for his first swing at bat.

Jose Miguel Delgado

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Jose Delgado punches Ernie Juarez in a featherweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week one on August 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Weight class: Featherweight
Result: Jose Miguel Delgado def. Ernie Jaurez via knockout (knee and punches) – Round 2, 1:25
Grade: A

Summary: Despite taking the fight on 11 days’ notice, [autotag]Marquel Mederos[/autotag] produced an emphatic knockout over Ernie Juarez to earn a UFC contract.

As I pointed out in my prospects to watch in 2024 column, Jaurez reminded me of a miniature Daniel Cormier with style and stature. Unfortunately for Jaurez, this also meant that, stylistically, his wrestle-boxing sensibilities would run him right into the power shots of Delgado’s southpaw stance.

Although Delgado’s flowy nature allows him to shift fairly liberally, the MMA Lab product operated best out of southpaw – establishing the desired double threats early that would eventually lead to his finish over Jaurez.

I appreciate the general structure and flow that Delgado brings to the table and see him being a good pickup for the UFC as a reliable action fighter for the foreseeable future. That said, he’ll need to shore his defense and awareness at boxing range given that his style inherently opens him up for counters that UFC-level opposition will likely test sooner than later.

Bruno Lopes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Bruno Lopes of Brazil punches Mikheil Sazhiniani of Georgia in a light heavyweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week one on August 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Weight class: Light heavyweight
Result: Bruno Lopes def. Mikheil Sazhiniani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:14
Grade: C

Summary: Even though it was hard not to be happy for [autotag]Bruno Lopes[/autotag] getting signed on his second swing at bat on this stage, I found it difficult to get too enthusiastic about the Brazilian’s performance.

Despite understandably being thrown off by the awkwardly spastic blitzes of Mikheil Sazhiniani, Lopes appeared to be a bit too hesitant for my liking (something that was echoed by Paul Felder from the commentary booth).

This, of course, became apparent by the second round – which saw Sazhiniani gasping for air and looking to be hurt on multiple occasions. And though I was ready to write off Lopes after clinching with what was a clearly hurt Sazhiniani, the Brazilian fighter was able to land a direct hit to the body that properly showed his Georgian foe the door.

I’m not surprised that the UFC president signed Lopes given both his love for big men and the fact that the heavier divisions have traditionally lacked the depth and numbers of their contemporaries. That said, I suspect we’ll see Lopes assigned to the B-side of matchups ranging anywhere from Ibo Aslan to Magomed Gadzhiyasulov.

Rami Hamed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: (R-L) Rami Hamed of Russia punches Ding Meng of China in a welterweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week one on August 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Weight class: Welterweight
Result: Rami Hamed def. Meng Ding via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
Grade: D

Summary: Despite the one-week notice and the fact that he was fighting through injury, I found it difficult to justify anything higher than a D for [autotag]Rami Hamed[/autotag].

I know that Hamed was facing a fiercely awkward fighter in Meng Ding who couldn’t seem to stop fouling him, but the Lebanese product was able to find some consistent openings throughout the fight that he either failed or had little interest in building upon.

I take Hamed at his word given that he was practically hobbling off the battlefield, but the Contender Series is a one-night audition that leaves little room for context or surrounding circumstances.

I’m not sure he’ll get a short-notice call-up to the octagon or the Contender Series considering his current health and showing, so don’t be surprised to see the matchmakers put Hamed on the docket for next season (where we’ll hopefully see him healthy and on a full camp).

In the meantime, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him paired up with names like Steven Nguyen or Luis Pajuelo in what would be guaranteed firefights.

Mansur Abdul-Malik

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: (L-R) Mansur Abdul-Malik kicks Wes Schultz in a middleweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week one on August 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Weight class: Middleweight
Result: Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Wes Schultz via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:55
Grade: B

Summary: Closing out the night strong was [autotag]Mansur Abdul-Malik[/autotag], who ended up with another brutal stoppage via ground strikes on his resume.

To Abdul-Malik’s own admission, it wasn’t the prettiest performance in what was the longest fight of his career. Luckily for Abdul-Malik, he’s still incredibly young and is already surrounding himself with top talent.

I obviously have a bit of a bias here given both my history with his head coach Eric Nicksick and the fact that Abdul-Malik was one of my prospects to watch in 2023, but ended up giving him what I feel is an appropriate B grading.

Although Abdul-Malik allowed Wes Schultz to get away with way too many naked spins and shots, the 26-year-old displayed solid patience and an ability to take instruction from his corner in regards to measuring his strikes and not worrying about power.

However, I’d be willing to bet that even Abdul-Malik’s critics can see the obvious power and potential that exists within this prospect – earning him every bit of said distinction.

Given the current landscape, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the UFC pair Abdul–Malik up with someone like Treasan Gore or Sedriques Dumas for his promotional debut.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Dana White’s stance on not re-signing Muhammad Mokaev remains same: ‘It is what it is’

Dana White insists that it’s Muhammad Mokaev who shot himself in the foot with UFC brass.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] insists that it’s [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] who shot himself in the foot.

The UFC refused to re-sign the undefeated flyweight contender after he defeated Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July. The decision came as a surprise, considering Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is on the cusp of a title shot.

The reason behind the UFC’s decision on Mokaev remains unclear, with White continuing to refer to it as “behind the scenes” issues, not Mokaev’s fighting style. Mokaev and Kape were involved in a heated build-up for their fight, getting into altercations at the UFC Performance Institute, the host hotel during UFC 304 fight week, ceremonial weigh-ins, and even having to be separated during their in-cage introductions.

“It is what it is,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters Tuesday after Dana White White’s Contender Series 67. “I always say this, that this is an opportunity to be here and to perform in front of the entire world. He’s just a guy that did everything wrong and pissed these guys off. I wasn’t involved in any of the stuff that happened with him.

“But you know, the matchmakers and Hunter (Campbell) were, and they weren’t happy with him. They weren’t happy with the way he acted. They weren’t happy with a lot of things he did and said. I guess you can look back now and regret it, but you did it, and you put yourself in this position.”

Mokaev hinted at a new step already being in place, with a cryptic post on X simply stating “signed.” The 23-year-old hopes he can find his way back to the UFC and realize his dream of becoming champion.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Dana White’s Contender Series 67 results: Four winners earn UFC contracts

Season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series began Tuesday, with the UFC CEO handing out four new contracts.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie was on scene reporting live from Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 67 event.

Dana White’s Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions.

The first week of the eighth season saw 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at middleweight, undefeated Mansur Abdul-Malik (6-0) took on Wesley Schultz (6-2).

The UFC Apex hosted Tuesday’s card, which streamed live on ESPN+.

DWCS 67 full results

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Wesley Schultz via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:55
  • Rami Hamed def. Meng Ding via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
  • Bruno Lopes def. Mikheil Sazhiniani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:14
  • Jose Delgado def. Ernie Juarez via knockout (knee and punches) – Round 2, 1:25
  • Lone’er Kavanagh def. An Tuan Ho via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:35

Who won a UFC contract?

At the conclusion of the event, White handed out four UFC contracts. The UFC CEO awarded contracts to Winners Abdul-Malik, Lopes, Delgado, and Kavanagh.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Wesley Schultz

Round 1 – Abdul-Malik stalks forward patiently as Schultz offers a few kicks and punches. Abdul-Malik connects with a flurry and Schultz covers up and circles. After the reset, Abdul-Malik blitzes again, but Schultz gets on the hips and scrambles to the back, but can’t keep the position. Schultz offers a variety of kicks, but Abdul-Malik evades. Another blitz of heavy strikes from Abdul-Malik leads to the fight going to the ground. Schultz keeps Abdul-Malik wrapped up to avoid ground and pound, and the fight returns to the feet. Schultz offers another series of kicks as Abdul-Malik stays out of range. Abdul-Malik lands a short left. Abdul-Malik catches a kick, but lets it go. Schultz spins with a punch, but eats counters from Abdul-Malik.

Round 2 – Schultz comes out with high kicks, and Abdul-Malik lands a left hand. Schultz lands a spinning kick followed by a punch, and starts the charge forward. Abdul-Malik lands a nice counter, but Schultz keeps coming forward with offense. More strikes from Schultz leads to a takedown and ground and pound. Abdul-Malik gets back to his feet, but gets dragged back down. Abdul-Malik eventually gets free and connects with big punches. Schultz shoots in and is stuffed. Schultz rolls for an armbar, but gets reversed. Big ground and pound from Abdul-Malik now. Heavy elbows raining down! That’s it! What a big finish to close the show.

Result: Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Wesley Schultz via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:55
Recap: DWCS 67 video: Mansur Abdul-Malik bashes Wes Schultz’s head with brutal elbows
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Best photos
Records: Abdul-Malik (6-0), Schultz (6-2)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Meng Ding vs. Rami Hamed

Round 1 – Single strikes are offered from both as the feel-out process unfolds. Hamed, bouncing in a karate side stance, lands a sharp left and an inside leg kick. Ding lands a nice short counter as Hamed darts forward. Now Ding looks for a takedown, but a knee goes south. The fight is paused for a couple of seconds, and Hamed is ready to get right back into it. Hamed looks for a jumping knee as Ding closes in to clinch. They separate briefly, and another clinch also stalls out. One minute to go now. Both go to the body with punches before another clinch is started by Ding. They separate again and both swing and miss with big punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hamed.

Round 2 – Ding kicks to the leg and lands a spinning back kick to the body. Hamed lands a straight left. Ding closes in for a clinch but Hamed shakes him off. Now Hamed ducks under a strike and initiates a clinch, but Ding quickly puts his back on the fence. Hamed complains about a low knee, but the referee says it was legal to the beltline. They separate a moment after anyway. Ding continues his forward pressure. They trade punches, both just missing with powerful offerings. Hamed with a nice body kick. A moment later, Hamed darts with a left, but Ding gets a takedown with a few seconds left.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ding.

Round 3 – Ding charges forward with punches and connects with a spinning back kick. Leg kicks are exchanged. Ding, turning up the volume connects with a punching combo. Hamed begins to fire back, but another Ding kick goes low, pausing the fight for the second time. Ding gets a final warning before the fight resumes. Hamed touches with a head kick, Ding taunts it off and waves Hamed in. Ding bouncing around more, looking to get the action going. Both kick at the same time, but Ding’s goes low again. The fight is halted again and Ding is docked a point. The fight resumes and Ding continues to press forward as Hamed circles outside. Ding clinches and Hamed quickly gets him off. Another clinch by Ding. Hamed lands a left hand. Another clinch by Ding and he gets a knee to the body on the exit as Hamed lands a few solid counter punches. Ding yells at Hamed to fight, but he keeps circling. One more exchange before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hamed, and with the point deduction, gets the win 29-27.

Result: Rami Hamed def. Meng Ding via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Best photos
Records: Ding (34-9), Hamed (13-3)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Bruno Lopes vs. Mikheil Sazhiniani

Round 1 – Sazhiniani threatens an early takedown but doesn’t fully commit. They reset and size each other up for a moment, and Sazhiniani charges forward with punches. Lopes lands a hard leg kick. Another not far behind it. Lopes evades a big overhand from Sazhiniani. Lopes lands a solid right hand. Sazhiniani lands the big overhand right and Lopes is down! Sazhiniani charges in but Lopes gets control of him and gets back to his feet. Sazhiniani still looking for the finish closes in with another right. Lopes fires back now. Sazhiniani looks for a takedown, but can’t get it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sazhiniani.

Round 2 – Lope offers a big knee, but Sazhiniani catches him and fires punches after a brief clinch. Sazhiniani throws a head kick, but misses. He then charges forward with a left. Lopes circles and fires off a combination of his own. Sazhiniani gets in on the hips looking for a single leg. It’s not there and they get back to trading punches in the middle. Sazhiniani connects with another overhand right. Sazhiniani, looking fatigued, wants another clinch but gets reversed. Lopes lands a nice punch. Sazhiniani is clearly tired now. A big shot to the liver from Lopes! Sazhiniani folds over and covers up. Lopes swarms with punches, and it’s over!

Result: Bruno Lopes def. Mikheil Sazhiniani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:14
Recap: Video: Bruno Lopes drills Mikheil Sazhiniani with body shot barrage at Dana White’s Contender Series
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Best photos
Records: Lopes (13-1), Sazhiniani (13-3)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Jose Delgado vs. Ernie Juarez

Round 1 – Both fighters come out swinging punches in hectic early exchanges. Delgado switches it up with a nice takedown, but Juarez works up pretty steadily. They swing punches again on the feet before Delgado gets another body lock takedown. Delgado ends up on the back as Juarez works back to his feet. A rear-naked choke threat is there, but Juarez fights off the hands well. Back to standing now, and Delgado starts to light up Juarez with a fast combo. Another takedown from Delgado, but Juarez works up quickly, and they return to the center. Juarez mounts some offense before a clinch battle. The round ends as Juarez lands a knee to Delgado.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Delgado.

Round 2 – Juarez catches a kick and looks for a takedown, but Delgado prevents it. Juarez digs in a solid body kick. Juarez lands a solid 1-2. Another kick to the body for Juarez. Delgado circles around and lands a left hand. He jumps forward with a big left knee! Juarez is down and out as follow-up hammerfists rain in. What a finish!

Result: Jose Delgado def. Ernie Juarez via knockout (knee and punches) – Round 2, 1:25
Recap: Video: UFC hopeful Jose Delgado impresses Dana White with violent knee knockout of Ernie Juarez
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Best photos
Records: Delgado (8-1), Juarez (7-1)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

An Tuan Ho vs. Lone’er Kavanagh

Round 1 – Ho started the action with leg kicks and offering punches first. Kavanagh’s early offense consists of attacks with leg kicks. Ho darts forward with punches, but Kavanagh evades. Out of nowhere, both fighters come forward at the same time, but it’s Kavanagh who connects with a short left hook that puts Ho completely out! It’s a walk-off KO for Kavanagh! WOW.

Result: Lone’er Kavanagh def. An Tuan Ho via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:35
Recap: Video: Lone’er Kavanagh kicks off Dana White’s Contender Series with scary KO of An Tuan Ho
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 67: Best photos
Records: Ho (6-1), Kavanagh (7-0)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

DWCS 67 weigh-ins and faceoffs

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

DWCS 67 video: Mansur Abdul-Malik bashes Wes Schultz’s head with brutal elbows

Mansur Abdul-Malik thudded Wes Schultz’s head over and over again in front of the UFC boss.

[autotag]Mansur Abdul-Malik[/autotag] had hype entering Dana White’s Contender Series 67 – and apparently for good reason.

In Tuesday’s headlining bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Abdul-Malik (6-0) finished opponent [autotag]Wes Schultz[/autotag] (6-2) with ground-and-pound elbows at 3:55 of Round 3.

The back-and-forth bout was entertaining throughout. Both fighters have wrestling backgrounds, but Abdul-Malik appeared to be the stronger grappler. Schultz was light on his feet as he attempted flashy strikes and landed a few hard ones on Abdul-Malik’s head.

But ultimately it was Abdul-Malik’s blows that would get the job done. Brutal elbows smashed Schultz’s dome until referee Herb Dean stepped in.

After the fight, Dana White entered the cage to show his admiration for both fighters.

Abdul-Malik, 26, remains unbeaten and has still yet to see the judges’ decision. Schultz, 28, has a three-fight winning streak snapped.

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The up-to-the-minute DWCS 67 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Video: Bruno Lopes drills Mikheil Sazhiniani with body shot barrage at Dana White’s Contender Series

Mikheil Sazhiniani’s face said it all when Bruno Lopes drilled him in the midsection as they fought for a UFC contract.

[autotag]Bruno Lopes[/autotag] was unwilling to let his second Dana White’s Contender Series chance slip through his fingers.

At DWCS 67, Lopes (13-1) finished opponent [autotag]Mikheil Sazhiniani[/autotag] (13-3) with a series of body blows for a stoppage at 4:14 of Round 2. The light heavyweight bout was the third of the series’ eighth season, which launched with its first card Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Sazhiniani had a strong opening round. As the fight progressed, however, the tables turned. Sazhiniani wore down and Lopes’ body shots expedited the process of cardio failure. A big step-knee to the body by Lopes just prior to the finish hurt Sazhiniani. Seconds later, a body punch put Sazhiniani in visible agony. Lopes pounced and landed a series of punches to the midsection as Sazhiniani covered up.

Lopes, 31, makes good one year after he lost in a massive upset to Brendson Ribeiro on DWCS in 2023. After the loss, he returned to LFA where he defended his title in January with a second-round submission win.

Sazhiniani, 27, has a six-fight winning streak snapped. The Georgian light heavyweight had competed in BRAVE CF and Octagon among other promotions prior to Tuesday’s bout.

The up-to-the-minute DWCS 67 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Video: UFC hopeful Jose Delgado impresses Dana White with violent knee knockout of Ernie Juarez

UFC hopeful Jose Deglado kept the violence rolling at Dana White’s Contender Series 67 when he put Ernie Juarez’s lights out.

[autotag]Jose Delgado[/autotag] kept the violence rolling Tuesday when he put [autotag]Ernie Juarez[/autotag]’s lights out.

At Dana White’s Contender Series 67, Delgado (8-1) very likely punched his ticket into the UFC when he knocked Juarez (8-1) out with a knee and punches for a stoppage at 1:25 of Round 2. The featherweight bout took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

After a strong first round, Delgado took the judges out of the equation in Round 2. Juarez appeared to be out on the initial knee, but referee Chris Tognoni didn’t get involved until Delgado some follow-up hammerfists landed thereafter.

Delgado, 26, trains out of the MMA Lab in Glendale, Ariz. He took this fight on 11 days notice. The victory extended his winning streak to five.

Juarez, 28, loses for the first time as a professional. He is the current Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat featherweight champion.

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The up-to-the-minute DWCS 67 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Video: Lone’er Kavanagh kicks off Dana White’s Contender Series with scary KO of An Tuan Ho

Dana White wrote “holy sh*t” on his bout sheet after UFC hopeful Lone’er Kavanagh scored a terrifying knockout of An Tuan Ho.

[autotag]Lone’er Kavanagh[/autotag] kicked off Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 8 with a bang Tuesday when he scored a knockout that left the UFC CEO writing “holy sh*t” on his bout sheet.

In the season opener, Kavanagh (7-0) clobbered previously undefeated [autotag]An Tuan Ho[/autotag] (6-1) with a brutal left hook that ended the fight at 2:35 of Round 1. The bout took place at DWCS 67 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Ho was down on the canvas for an elongated period of time, blankly staring into the distance as his corners, medical staff, and referee Herb Dean tried to assist him in coming back to. Eventually, Ho rose to his feet under his own power but was not present for the reading of the official decision.

Kavanagh, 25, is the latest Cage Warriors product to make an impression on the UFC brass. The knockout Tuesday was the fifth of his seven-fight career. The win was the fifth in a row where Kavanagh defeated a previously unbeaten fighter.

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The up-to-the-minute DWCS 67 results include:

  • Lone’er Kavanagh def. An Tuan Ho via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:35

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Positive vibes only: UFC hopeful Mansur Abdul-Malik made the cage his comfort zone

University of Maryland wrestler Mansur Abdul-Malik has showcased violent knockout abilities ahead of his UFC tryout.

[autotag]Mansur Abdul-Malik[/autotag] wasn’t always as positive as he is now. It took time, but the progression was natural. He discovered the power of the mind and is now on the UFC’s doorstep because of it.

A 5-0 pro, Abdul-Malik fights Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 67 with the opportunity to change his life, and the lives of those around him. Isn’t that enough to smile about?

“There’s no other place I want to be,” Abdul-Malik recently told MMA Junkie. “There’s literally no other place I’d want to be than worshipping God and just being peaceful and make my family happy. Other than that, there’s no other place I’d want to be. I just love it so much in there. I just feel like my mind is emptied in there.”

“When I go compete, it just feels so freeing. I swear, it feels so natural than regular, everyday life. When I go compete, it’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s like I’m here. I’m here and I can drop all the worries. I can drop all the other stuff that doesn’t matter. I can drop all the negativities and people that don’t matter.”

A Maryland native, Abdul-Malik has long been destined for the opportunity like the one he’ll have Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. There were some necessary delays along the way, but the journey always resumed.

A jiu-jitsu practitioner since six, Abdul-Malik fell in love with wrestling in middle school. That passion and success carried over into high school, and then at wrestling career at the University of Maryland while studying kinesiology.

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Along the way, Abdul-Malik met fellow Maryland native Bryan Hamper, of SuckerPunch Entertainment, who served as a mentor and helped pave his path toward MMA success.

“I’ve known him since I was a teenager,” Abdul-Malik said. “That’s one of my best people in this sport and in this life as well. That’s a good man.”

In a place where adrenaline and nerves flow at the highest levels, Abdul-Malik has found peace and spiritual freedom. As he racked up first-round finish after first-round finish (he now has five of them) the cage began to feel more and more like home.

“I wasn’t always like this,” Abdul-Malik said. “I definitely wasn’t thinking positive. I wasn’t optimistic. But I understood the power of the mind. The power of positivity. The power of good vibes and belief and the faith in what you’re doing and your actions. It just flowed into MMA. It’s all just one big bubble. It’s not just one aspect of my life I’m positive in. It’s everything.

“… This is what I want to dedicate my life too, but also in the same hand, I kind of disconnect and treat it like it’s something that’s recreational. As much as I care about it, it’s also one of the very last things that matters in life. Life is so beautiful, man. There are so many different aspects of it. I have my family. I have my body. I have my health. I have other things I’m involved in that make me happy. I have food. I freaking love food. There are so many other aspects of life I feel people kind of forget.”

Abdul-Malik will fight Wes Schultz (6-1) in the headlining bout of DWCS 67 and have the opportunity to earn a UFC deal if he impresses the brass. While it’s an accomplishment to get this far, the real reward remains distant.

“My short-term goal is to get my hand raised on Tuesday,” Abdul-Malik said. “My long-term goal is to become a two-weight world champion, get all the money I can get my hands on and then give back to the people that gave to me, and give back to other people in forms of inspiration when it comes to anything financial, helping them in any way I possibly can. I’ll just live a good life and continue to build my wealth and status after fighting. I know and understand this won’t last forever, but I’m going to take every single possible thing I can from this career. It doesn’t only revolve around fighting.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Dana White’s Contender Series 67 faceoff highlights video, photo gallery from Las Vegas

Check out the weigh-in and faceoff video highlights and photos from Dana White’s Contender Series 67 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – The pre-fight activities are in the books for Dana White’s Contender Series 67 following Monday’s official weigh-ins and faceoffs.

For the first event of the season, 10 fighters will vie for UFC contracts in their fights, including middleweights Mansur Abdul-Malik (5-0) and Wesley Schultz (6-1), who headline the show.

At the conclusion of the official weigh-ins, the fighters came face to face for staredowns. Check out the highlights in the video above and a photo gallery from the weigh-ins and faceoffs below.

Dana White’s Contender Series 67 takes place Tuesday and streams on ESPN+.

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