Quillan Salkilld got a taste of the “levels to this game” saying Tuesday, but that might do him good in the UFC.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Quillan Salkilld[/autotag] got a taste of the “levels to this game” saying Tuesday, but that might do him good in the UFC.
Australia’s Salkilld opened up the card at Dana White’s Contender Series 70 with a lightweight decision win over Gauge Young. Afterward, he said Young tested him to the point he hadn’t experienced before, and he learned something new about himself.
“He hit me with some good shots,” Salkilld told media members, including MMA Junkie, at a post-fight news conference. “This is the first time I’ve actually been hit like that in an MMA fight. Usually, I get through pretty unscathed. It was actually a really great test for me and I actually quite enjoyed getting into a bit of a slugfest, bit of a back-and-forth action. It was actually quite fun.”
Watch Salkilld’s full post-fight interview in the video above.
Following his Dana White’s Contender Series 70 win, Austin Bashi reflected on the road less traveled and his win over Dorian Ramos.
LAS VEGAS – Whether he’s speaking about trying to finish a fight, or his career progression as a whole, [autotag]Austin Bashi[/autotag] explains he isn’t in a rush.
“I don’t regret that one bit,” Bashi told MMA Junkie and other reporters during a post-fight news conference. “That was all part of the plan. I’ve said it so many times. People come into the UFC … with rarely any experience and you see them get beat up in the UFC. My whole thing was making sure I have enough fights with tough, tough people, which I have.”
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Bashi was dominant from start to finish. He wore down Ramos, a late-notice replacement opponent, with heavy wrestling and a relentless pace before he locked in a rear-naked choke.
UFC CEO Dana White seemed slightly critical of the perceived decision to play with his food before he ate, proverbially speaking, but Bashi said the measured approach is what’s best.
“I said in my interview before: ‘First round, I get them tired. By the second round or early third, I’m going to finish them,'” Bashi said. “… I like taking my time. I like not rushing it. That’s something my coaches tell me is, ‘Don’t rush. Take your time.’ Taking my time in there, feeling him out, that was part of it.”
As for what’s next, Bashi hopes to make his promotional debut before the end of 2024.
“I like to be active,” Bashi said. “I like to get three to four fights a year. I’ll take a little time off and before the end of the year for sure I’ll want to make my UFC debut.”
When it comes to middleweight inspirations in MMA, it doesn’t get much bigger than Anderson Silva.
LAS VEGAS – When it comes to middleweight inspirations in MMA, it doesn’t get much bigger than Anderson Silva for most fighters.
That’s especially true for fellow Brazilian [autotag]Djorden Santos[/autotag], who after earning a UFC contract at Dana White’s Contender Series 70 on Tuesday said he wants to keep living his dream.
“I love this division because I’m from Brazil – Anderson Silva was my idol,” Santos said after DWCS 70. “I just want to be like Anderson Silva. I love his legacy and I’m here to make my history. He (inspired me to fight). I’m coming to do like to do something like him and be a massive world champion in this weight class.”
Watch Santos’ full post-fight interview in the video above.
Dana White flexing on everyone about Jon Jones’ greatness took a weird turn Tuesday night.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] decided to remind everyone of UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]’ greatness during Tuesday’s broadcast of Dana White’s Contender Series 70.
The UFC aired a promo hyping up Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight champion, as the “GOAT” while boasting his accolades and achievements through the years. When asked about the video, White sarcastically acted like he wasn’t aware of it.
“What?” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the DWCS 70 post-fight news conference. “I was in the back. I didn’t even see it air. I didn’t even know that they aired that tonight.”
White has taken major issue with MMA media ranking lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira above Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings. After addressing the media about the Jones video, White said he looks forward to artificial intelligence (AI) technology being able to replace a panel of experts in determining the rankings.
“Did you guys read the stats?” White asked the media. “He recently just beat the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. Hope you guys read that stat. You know what is f*cking great about technology? We’re not far away from AI actually doing these rankings, and it’ll be a great f*cking day when AI starts doing this sh*t. I’m really excited about that.”
Jones hasn’t competed since claiming the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane. His first title defense is targeted against Stipe Miocic Nov. 16 at UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden in New York.
Seok Hyun Ko knew his opponent’s reputation meant deeper waters might be the path to a victory.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Seok Hyun Ko[/autotag] knew his opponent’s reputation meant deeper waters might be the path to a victory.
Ko (11-2) outworked Igor Cavalcanti (9-1) in the main event at Dana White’s Contender Series 70 to win a UFC contract with an upset. He’s the first South Korean to advance to the promotion through the annual 10-week series.
Ko spoke to the media following his win over Cavalcanti at the UFC Apex and said weathering the storm of Cavalcanti’s power to wear him out was the plan.
Watch Ko’s full post-fight interview in the video above.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] wants to go up. He wants to go down. He’s also comfortable staying put.
The flexibility the current UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has expressed when it comes to weight classes has impressed promotion CEO [autotag]Dana White[/autotag]. That includes the recent callout of [autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag] by “Poatan.”
“My take on him is, he’s f*cking nasty,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a Dana White’s Contender Series 70 post-fight news conference Tuesday. “That’s my take on him. He wants to move up. He wants to move down. He wants to go everywhere. That’s why people love him. Those are the type of fighters people love. Pereira wants to fight everybody. I love it.
“… The thing that’s great about it is, this is why I said a minute ago everybody loves him and he’s great. But it also gives us a ton of options that as we’re in matchmaking, ‘Should we do this, should we do that? Shouldn’t we do this, shouldn’t we do that?’ It’s a good problem to have with a guy like him. How about he’s on vacation and accepts the last-minute fight? Everything about Alex Pereira is what makes fans absolutely love the guy.”
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Pereira, 37, is currently booked to defend the promotion’s light heavyweight title Oct. 7 at UFC 307 vs. Khalil Rountree (13-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC). He previously held the UFC middleweight title.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) doesn’t have a title fight booked, though Sean Strickland has been identified as the likely next challenger. He most recently competed Aug. 17 when he defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
White was noncommittal to a potential matchup between Pereira and Du Plessis should they both win.
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 fourth week of the eighth season sees 10 fighters competing for their shots at a UFC contract. In the featured bout at welterweight, Igor Cavalcanti (9-0) takes on Seok Hyun Ko (10-2).
The UFC Apex hosts Tuesday’s card, which streams live on ESPN+.
Who won a UFC contract?
At the conclusion of the event, White handed out UFC contracts to all five winners: Yuneisy Duben, Quillan Salkilld, Austin Bashi, Djorden Santos and Seok Hyun Ko.
DWCS 70 results
Seok Hyun Ko def. Igor Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Djorden Santos def. Will Currie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Round 1 – Ko is fighting outside South Korea for the first time since 2018. Cavalcanti typically is a quick finisher, and he’s swinging for the fences. Ko has little choice but to swing back, but he can’t quite close the distance against the taller and lankier Cavalcanti. They’re both throwing right down the pipe, and it looks like either one could land a one-hitter quitter at any second. Cavalcanti is past the range he typically has to go in fights. Ko looks composed. Cavalcanti just misses a slick front kick, but lands to the body soon after. It’s close down the stretch, but MMA Junkie will give a slight 10-9 nod to Calvalcanti.
Round 2 – Cavalcanti is into the second round for the first time in his career. Ko comes out like a banshee, but Cavalcanti gets a brief takedown from it. They tie up after that, though. Cavalcanti hits Ko low, and Ko gets a break. Ref Jason Herzog warns Cavalcanti he’ll take a point if he lands low again. They get going again, and things heat up when Cavalcanti perhaps pulls a rope-a-dope. It’s questionable if it works when Ko wears him down a bit on the canvas. Cavalcanti misses a high kick after Ko motions him in. Who knows. It’s a bizarre fight and interesting to score. MMA Junkie gives a slight lean to Ko 10-9. It could be 1-1, or 2-0 either fighter.
Round 3 – Ko takes over with relative ease in the third. He spends the bulk of time on top raining down a little damage – nothing significant, but enough to keep busy. He looks for a submission from side control with a minute left, then takes Cavalcanti’s back. Cavalcanti was a reasonably sized favorite, but he’s offered nothing the final five minutes. Ko won’t get a finish, but he gets a 10-9 final round and the fight 29-28 from Junkie.
Result: Seok Hyun Ko def. Igor Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Photos:Dana White’s Contender Series 70: Best photos from Las Vegas Records: Ko (11-2), Cavalcanti (9-1) Division: Welterweight Broadcast: ESPN+ Referee: Jason Herzog
Will Currie vs. Djorden Santos
Round 1 – Currie kicks early. He’s got a soccer background. His left kick looks sincerely powerful. He feints a spinning kick and looks similar to Stephen Thompson when he does so. Santos clips him and Currie slips to his butt, but he pops back up. Santos lands a nice punch, but Currie sneaks inside. Currie dips down for a takedown 90 seconds in. They grind their way into a bit of a dogfight for the first five minutes, and Currie heads back to his corner looking perhaps surprised he’s in a fight. Close round, but 10-9 for Santos.
Round 2 – Santos keeps busy in the second. The Brazilian is landing to the head without much pushback from Currie, who was a sizable betting favorite. They tie up along the fence and Currie looks energized for a few seconds when he finally breaks away. But he shoots for a takedown and Santos sprawls through it. Santos spins his way out and instead of going back to distance, he ties things up again. Santos’ corner tells him to not take the fight to the canvas. When Currie breaks away, he shoots for a takedown with 90 seconds left and Santos easily stuffs it. Back in the middle, Santos drills punches to the body and head and is teeing off. Currie tries to tie things up, purely defensively. But Santos keeps drilling him, including with a knee. He lands a late takedown and it’s an easy 10-9 round for Santos.
Round 3 – Santos keeps the pressure on early and into the final frame. Currie’s stamina and chin is admirable, but with two minutes left it doesn’t look like he has much left in the tank. Santos is 10 of 10 on takedown attempts, and Currie keeps after one late. He finds himself in a guillotine choke, but Santos can’t keep it. Finally, Currie makes something happen with a scramble to the canvas and a brief armlock attempt, but Santos pops back up and Currie looks at him as if to say, “Why won’t you fight me?” Currie gets a late scrambling takedown and lands a few punches, but Santos elbows him back. It’s not enough to steal a round for Junkie, who has a 10-9 frame for Santos and a 30-27 win for him.
Result: Djorden Santos def. Will Currie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Photos:Dana White’s Contender Series 70: Best photos from Las Vegas Records: Santos (10-1), Currie (12-4) Division: Middleweight Broadcast: ESPN+ Referee: Mike Beltran
Austin Bashi vs. Dorian Ramos
Round 1 – Things are wild quickly, and they stay that way in the first two minutes. Lots of scrambles and wild punches, but two minutes in Bashi has his second takedown and tries to tie Ramos up. Ramos rolls out of it, but it lets Bashi get a hook in and he tries to flatten him out. Ramos calmly gets back to his feet, though. Bashi keeps the pressure on, but each time he makes a little headway, Ramos is able to work his way through it to keep things interesting. It’s a 10-9 first for Bashi, though.
Round 2 – The takedowns keep coming for Bashi. If Ramos could stay on the feet, he might find more success in the standup game, but Bashi is nullifying his best offense. Still, Ramos threatens to get on top – only to have Bashi once again bully him back down and to his back. Finally, Bashi gets his arm under the neck and he’s got a standing rear-naked choke. It’s not going to take long. He drops to the canvas, the choke is tight, and Ramos taps. Ramos took the fight on just five days’ notice.
Result: Austin Bashi def. Dorian Ramos via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:15 Photos:Dana White’s Contender Series 70: Best photos from Las Vegas Records: Bashi (13-0), Ramos (8-3) Division: Featherweight Broadcast: ESPN+ Referee: Jason Herzog
Round 1 – Clark is a huge favorite, but Duben comes forward quickly and makes her presence known. But it doesn’t take long for Clark to show that Duben’s strategy of running forward throwing with wild abandon might not be a great idea. But suddenly, Duben lands a haymaker and stuns Clark. Clark composes herself and slows the temple. And then oh … my … freaking … LORD. Duben lands a massive bomb, and Clark is out. Dana White is up off his chair screaming “Holy sh*t!” To say she’s got a contract coming tonight is a understatement. White told her at the cage she had the biggest upset in DWCS history, and she doesn’t have to worry about a contract – she’s in the UFC. It was an overhand right to the jaw, and it is an absolutely massive KO – a Knockout of the Year candidate, for sure. Clark was a -1800 betting favorite. Duben was fighting for just the second time in more than four years.
Round 1 – Young throws big early in the opening fight of the show and Salkilld backs up to the fence. Salkilld lands a heavy body kick 45 seconds in, but Young stays up and soon throws a kick of his own up high. They tie up, but quickly push away and go back to striking range. Salkilld stays after the body with kicks, but it’s Young who has more forward pressure. He kicks high with the left and it’s partially blocked. Salkilld returns to a body attack with a left hook. Salkilld’s strategy seems clear with tons of work to the body. Salkilld lands a big right, then goes after a takedown. Young is back up quickly, and we’ll head to a second. MMA Junkie gives a tight round to Young.
Round 2 – Salkilld takes control in the second and gets the fight to the canvas. It looks like he has Young in trouble – and possibly tired. But Young works his way through it and back to his feet. Salkilld again goes for a takedown with two minutes left in the round, but Young shrugs it off and stays upright. He eats a punch for his troubles, then a kick a few seconds later. When Young hits Salkilld low, he shrugs off an offer to take five minutes to recover. Maybe he should have taken it – Young starts landing and gains momentum. With 75 seconds left, Salkilld starts to drop his hands and Young starts to tag him. Salkilld is getting tagged and throws a push kick, then takes Young down. It staves off Young’s offense, which at least gets him into the third. Back and forth again, but MMA Junkie gives a close nod to Salkilld.
Round 3 – Salkilld lands a nice combo to open the final round. He wants a takedown, but Young fights through it. They tie up some more, and eventually, midway through, Salkilld lands his fifth takedown of the fight, and it’s a fairly dramatic one. Young gets back up and Salkilld stings him with a front kick to the face. But Young comes forward and lands combos and makes things interesting. They trade in tight, and Young shoots for a takedown with 90 seconds left. Salkilld gets the fight back down and goes for a finish late with punches and a submission attempt. The lightweights put on a great show. MMA Junkie scores the last for Salkilld, 10-9, and the fight for him 29-28, but we could see any combination of scores.
Result: Quillan Salkilld def. Gauge Young via. unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Photos:Dana White’s Contender Series 70: Best photos from Las Vegas Records: Salkilld (7-1), Young (8-2) Division: Lightweight Broadcast: ESPN+ Referee: Jason Herzog
Could 22-year-old Austin Bashi be the next UFC star at featherweight?
[autotag]Austin Bashi[/autotag] came into Dana White’s Contender Series 70 with a tremendous amount of hype, and he may have exited with even more.
In front of the UFC brass, Bashi (13-0) manhandled short notice replacement [autotag]Dorian Ramos[/autotag] (8-3) en route to a rear-naked choke submission at the 3:15 mark of Round 2 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Bashi, 22, entered the fight as a Lights Out Championship and Shamrock FC champion. He’d turned down multiple UFC opportunities in the past in order to ensure his readiness for the big show, he and his team explained to MMA Junkie before the fight.
Ramos, 30, was a short notice replacement for Sean O’Malley protege Tommy McMillian, who pulled out of the fight days prior due to injury. UFC CEO Dana White was heard consoling Ramos after the fight, saying matchmaker Sean Shelby would “take care of” him.
Watch the knockout that had Mick Maynard looking like he saw a ghost and Dana White nearly ripping his shirt off.
[autotag]Yuneisy Duben[/autotag] dropped the UFC brass’ jaws collectively Tuesday when she pulled off a massive upset in emphatically violent fashion at Dana White’s Contender Series 70.
A +837 underdog across major online sports books (per BestFightOdds), Duben (6-0) knocked LFA flyweight champ [autotag]Shannon Clark[/autotag] (5-1) stiff with a big punch at the 1:13 mark of Round 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The finish sent Dana White flying out of his chair and nearly tearing off his shirt, while matchmakers Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby, and UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell threw composure out the window.
White told Duben through the cage that there perhaps wasn’t a point in having her stick around to hear his final decisions that night – indicating a no-brainer UFC signing.
Check out these photos from the fights at Dana White’s Contender Series 70 in Las Vegas.
Check out these photos from the five fights at Dana White’s Contender Series 70, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. (Event photos courtesy of UFC)
