A year ago, Romania had two UFC fighters. Now, with Daniel Frunza, Alice Ardelean and Bogdan Grad, the number has more than doubled.
[autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag] sat backstage as he waited for his name to be called by someone from the UFC public relations team.
It would soon be his turn to speak with the media in attendance at the UFC Apex. Moments prior, Frunza (9-2) had earned a contract from promotion CEO Dana White for an impressive Contender Series finish by TKO over Vadym Kutsyi (17-2).
That’s when it hit him: His dream, or at least the first big one, was achieved.
“Even when Dana gave the contract, I was like, ‘Eh.’ It was like in a dream state,” Frunza recently told MMA Junkie. “But when I was in the back waiting for the interview, waiting for the media, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness. What the hell did I just do?’ That’s what kind of came to me, the realization. But it felt good because that’s what I was working for. That’s what I was there for. I knew what I was there for. I know what I’m fighting for.”
Some of his motivations, Frunza is keeping close to his chest. In due time, he plans to tell his story and what makes him tick to the fullest extent. But for now, Frunza hopes to serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Romanian fighters.
One year ago, Diana Belbita and Nicolae Negumereanu were the country’s two lone representatives. Frunza, Bogdan Grad, and Alice Ardelean have since more than doubled that number.
“We’re going to lead the way,” Frunza said. “That’s what I want, to be honest. I will try to make it to the highest heights of the sport and be an inspiration for the new generation, for the young guys and show that it’s possible, and as a Romanian fighter, you can dream. If you work hard and you’re really dedicated, you can make it. What I want on a personal level is to lead the way and be an inspiration to the younger guys.”
Frunza, 30, was born in Romania, where he lived until age 14 when he moved with his mother to Italy. At 19, he picked up combat sports. His main motivation was living out the American dream, and he saw MMA as the most America-centric combat sport. Eventually, Frunza found his way to Miami, where he currently lives and trains.
While he has yet to receive his first UFC assignment, whenever that walk comes, viewers should expect to see a blue, yellow, and red flag draped over Frunza’s shoulders.
“I want to say to the UFC: Line them up. Just get them ready for me,” Frunza said. “That’s all I can say. That’s the only message that I’m going to give. Just line them up. I cannot wait to step back into that cage, this time in an official UFC event, and hopefully I would really fight with a crowd and entertain the people.”
Daniel Frunza said he already feels comfortable in the UFC, and he hasn’t fought there yet.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag] said he already feels comfortable in the UFC, and he hasn’t fought there yet.
Frunza (9-2) rallied from a rough first round to knock out Vadym Kutsyi (17-2) in the second Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 73 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. He picked up a UFC contract with the win. And perhaps just coming back from the adversity under pressure helped him feel right at home right away – though time will tell what his actual UFC debut holds in store.
Frunza spoke to the media following his win over Kutsyi. Check out his full post-fight interview in the video above.
MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the performances of the five winners from Dana White’s Contender Series 73.
Week 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series (2024) took place on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.
With a simple but digestible format that has had the MMA fanbase responding, 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, I once again will be taking a look at the winning fighters, regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract, and grading their performances in regard to their probability of returning to a UFC stage.
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Alexia Thainara
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (R-L) Alexia Thainara of Brazil punches Rose Conceicao of Brazil in a strawweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week seven at UFC APEX on September 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Summary: Aside from being the lone decision of the night, I found it hard to justify anything higher than a C+ for [autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag]’s winning effort over Rose Conceicao.
Being former training partners didn’t appear to infringe upon the action like that dynamic usually does, but I admittedly got a bit bored seeing the same two exchanges play out repeatedly. Whenever Thainara wasn’t pecking away with leg kicks on the outside, she was just essentially bullying an outmatched Conceicao to the fence with a cross to the body followed by a winging hook up top.
Although Thainara swung hard with effect, she never really came close to getting (a possibly one-legged) Conceicao out of there and took plenty of punches in the process.
Thainara did have solid takedowns – both in the clinch and in the open – that I hope she shows more of in the future. That said, Thainara definitely needs to shore up her defense standing if she wants to avoid being on the wrong end of significant strike stats in the future.
I’m not surprised to see Dana White sign Thainara given the – at this point – obvious discount recruitment purpose of the show. Don’t be surprised to see Thainara used to test other regional talents like Puja Tomar or Shauna Bannon.
Kevin Vallejos
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: Kevin Vallejos of Argentina reacts after his victory against Cam Teague in a featherweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week seven at UFC APEX on September 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Summary: Making quick work of Cam Teague, it was hard to deny [autotag]Kevin Vallejos[/autotag] anything short of an A for his beautiful, pocket boxing performance.
Teague, who reminded me of Mr. Satan from the Dragon Ball Z series, came out showing his vaunted toughness until Vallejos smartly started going to the body.
Not only did Vallejos’ bodywork prove the old adage correct in regards to going to the body on a durable-chinned opponent, but it also helped the Argentinian fighter overwhelm the guard of Teague (who was polished off with a short left hook shortly after being visibly hurt to the midsection).
Between the performance itself and this being Vallejos’ second swing at bat on the Contender Series, seeing White sign the 22-year-old was a no-brainer. Vallejos is also the first fighter who is a part of the UFC Mexico PI development system to get a UFC contract.
I hope they don’t rush Vallejos given his age, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him before year’s end against someone like Connor Matthews or Westin Wilson.
Kevin Christian
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Kevin Christian of Brazil punches Francesco Mazzeo of Italy in a light heavyweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week seven at UFC APEX on September 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Summary: Despite doing his fair share for taking part in the worst fight of the night, I had to at least bump [autotag]Kevin Christian[/autotag] up to a C after Francesco Mazzeo was kind enough to fall into a submission for him.
Aside from the actual signing, I couldn’t agree with the UFC president’s analysis of this fight more in regards to Christian failing to properly utilize his frame. From a lack of jabs in space to a lack of urgency in closed quarters, I could not find anything I liked about Christian’s game.
I’m guessing that Mick Maynard is pushing for Christian based on previous performances, but I’m not sure how great that sample size is given that he’s only had 1 fight in the past 4 years.
But hey, everyone loves a big man. I mean, look at what Shaquille O’Neal – one of the most historically overrated athletes in any sport – has been able to do just by being big and tall. That said, I’m obviously not as hopeful for Christian’s prospects in this sport (a sport where he won’t be getting help from the referees like Shaq and his teams did throughout his career).
Anyway, taking an opportunity to trash Shaq and trigger Lakers fans aside, I’ll be really curious to see what the UFC does with Christian. Part of me suspects that Maynard will try and give him a favorable fight in hopes of having his decision age well, but I hope that they feed him to an undefeated up-and-comer like Magomed Gadzhiyasulov.
Daniel Frunza
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Daniel Frunza of Romania punches Vadym Kutsyi of Ukraine in a welterweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week seven at UFC APEX on September 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Summary: Even though [autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag] had to survive some heavy onslaughts from Vadym Kutsyi early, I had a hard time shorting the Romanian of an A given that this was all a part of his plan.
Knowing the Kutsyi traditionally comes out hot, Frunza smartly weathered the early storm so that he could take advantage of a tiring foe come Round 2. Although it took Frunza a little while to finally listen to his corner and work Kutsyi’s body, the 39-year-old eventually followed orders and (surprise, surprise) was able to crush his opponent’s fighting spirit after a couple of hard knees to the body.
Daniel Cormier was smart to, once again, point to how devastating bodywork can be – but I doubt it will change the perception of everyone from the judges to the Gen Pop who sadly still undervalue good bodywork and clinch striking in favor of big swinging, sloppy headshots that hardly land clean. But I digress.
As far as Frunza goes, I believe that he’ll make for a solid, action-fighting addition to the UFC’s welterweight stable. And since he’s vocal about earning money and bonuses alike, I say pair Frunza up with someone like Billy Goff for a fun stylistic affair.
Danylo Voievodkin
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: Danylo Voievodkin of Ukraine reacts after his submission victory against Bailey Schoenfelder in a heavyweight fight during Dana White’s Contender Series season eight, week seven at UFC APEX on September 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Summary: Between winning as North of an 8-1 underdog to beating another overhyped ex-American footballer, I feel obligated to bump [autotag]Danylo Voievodkin[/autotag] up to an A- for making quick work of Baily Schoenfelder.
I say this all the time, but death, taxes and the MMA space grossly overhyping any American heavyweight who played with a pigskin ball growing up. I mean, how many times do I have to tell you guys?
How many times do I have to point out that Brendan Schaub, of all people, is sadly the best fighter in this category by a country mile before we stop treating everyone who played football like some sort of “preordained god sent down to grace our savage sport with REAL ATHLETICISM?”
For crying out loud …
Despite weekly shows reminding us which divisions the actual talent and entertainment resides in, the UFC matchmakers can’t seem to do the math on their terrible track record when it comes to finding their “great white hope” (which is undeniably how this space treats ex-football-playing heavyweights).
As for Voievodkin, I say pair him up with the winner of Robelis Despaigne vs. Austen Lane in hopes of another comical upset over an overhyped athlete.
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 seventh week of the eighth season saw 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at heavyweight, Danylo Voievodkin (7-0) shocked Bellator veteran Bailey Schoenfelder (5-1) with a gigantic upset.
The UFC Apex hosted the card, which streamed live on ESPN+.
[lawrence-related id=2773390]
Who won a UFC contract?
At the conclusion of the event, White handed out UFC contracts to all five winners: Alexia Thainara, Kevin Vallejos, Kevin Christian, Daniel Frunza and Danylo Voievodkin.
Round 1 – Conceicao lands two early leg kicks and Thainara responds with an easy trip takedown to land in top position just 40 seconds in. She decides to stand up, however, and lands a big shot on Conceicao as she stands up. They trade big punches in the middle before Thainara pushes her opponent into the fence. Conceicao breaks away and they settle into a striking exchange, with Conceicao landing another hard low kick. Thainara gets another takedown but can’t achieve much in top position before it returns to the feet. Conceicao does more damage with leg kicks and a solid knee to the body in the clinch. The fight stays standing down the stretch with both sides connecting to the head and body.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Thainara.
Round 2 – Conceicao comes out with bad intentions on the feet but Thainara shuts it down with a takedown. She stands up and willingly trades with Conceicao as she moves forward. Conceicao is struggling to get respect in the striking exchanges, even when she lands clean. She tries for a takedown off a caught kick but Thainara breaks away and is looking to land something big. She backs Thainara up with kicks and punches. Conceicao keeps trying to counter but has little success as Thainara stuns her with a big combination! Thainara is chasing for the finish but Conceicao is recovered as she answers with punches of her own to slow Thainara’s aggression to close the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Thainara.
Round 3 – Conceicao takes the center of the cage and lands a few punches on Thainara, who fends off the desperation attempt with a clean left hand that snaps her opponent’s head back. Both women are swinging for the fences at this point but can’t find the off button on the other. Thainara’s shots have more zip on them at this stage and she won’t give Conceicao much room to breathe. Conceicao waves her on though and they return to the center of the cage. Thainara taunts in between her right hands and she is beaming with confidence at this point. Conceicao is not giving in, but she’s needs a miracle to win it at this point. Thainara keeps the pressure on in the final seconds and seals the deal on a dominant effort.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Thainara and a clear 30-27 overall.
Result: Alexia Thainara def. Rose Conceicao via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 73: Best photos Records: Thainara (11-1), Conceicao (7-1) Division: Strawweight Broadcast: ESPN+ Referee: Herb Dean
Cam Teague vs. Kevin Vallejos
Round 1 – Vallejos scores with a trio of early leg kicks and Teague tries to walk through it as they clash in a big combination. Vallejos seems to be the more accurate boxer early, but Teague seems unconcerned about the power coming his way as he eats clean shot after clean shot and moves forward. Vallejos steps back and stabs at Teague with front kicks to the body. Vallejos is growing in confidence as he lands some more huge clean shots. Teague has a ridiculous chin but if finally truly hurt! He covers up near the fence and moves back and Vallejos unloads with a flurry of hooks, one of which sends Teague to his back and causes the referee to step in. Teague protests the stoppage, but that was a beatdown from Vallejos.
Round 1 – Christian’s 6-foot-7 frame is staggering from the jump and he uses the range early to throw leg kicks and work around the jab. Mazzeo forces his way inside the range and gets a takedown into top position. Christian uses elbows to cut his opponent from on bottom but Mazzeo manages to hold position for now. Time burns off the clock and Christian is making little effort to scramble up while Mazzeo is being just active enough from inside guard to avoid being stood up by the referee for the remainder of the round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Mazzeo.
Round 2 – Christian is clearly cautious of the takedown to start the round. Mazzeo lands a pair of leg kicks and is trying to navigate the range against his massive opponent, who moves forward with a big elbow. Mazzeo clinches Christian and tries to push him into the fence but is reversed. Mazzeo breaks and lands a huge overhand right that Christian takes without issue. Christian is very flat-footed and inactive with his movement and output, but he is huge. Mazzeo manages to keep Christian at bay with his lopping shots, however, they are draining on his cardio. He puts maximum energy into a takedown attempt and gets it with 90 seconds left. Christian is stuck on his butt against the cage and begins to scoot up before Mazzaeo swings him back to the mat. Christian throws his legs up into a triangle choke and it’s tight! Mazzeo tries to get out but Christian extends the arm and gets the tap from the combination submission. Wow. Terrible mistake from Mazzeo to get caught in that while clearly ahead.
Round 1 – Frunza fires off a fast early head kick that’s blocked. He nearly lands another one as Kutsyi looks a little hesitant to start the fight. Frunza stings him again but they collide and Kutsyi ends up in top position. He starts unloading with heavy ground-and-pound that has Frunza reacting badly and trying to scramble free. Kutsyi displays a smothering top game as he tries to take the mount but allows Frunza to get up. Kutsyi has the body lock and trips Frunza to the mat, who pops back up. They trade punches and Kutsyi connects with a shot that sends Frunza to his butt! He pounces on top and tries to swarm with ground-and-pound for the finish, but Frunza manages to survive the onslaught and pop up to his feet. Frunza scores with a nice punch in the final seconds to close a wild round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kutsyi.
Round 2 – They go right back to work to begin the frame with Frunza crashing in on his punches, causing a clash of heads. Kutsyi’s pace has slowed from the opening frame and Frunza seems to sense it as he’s very aggressive with his hands. Kutsyi counters with an uppercut and gets a takedown moments later, but he can’t keep Frunza down. Frunza charges forward and forces another takedown out of Kutsyi against the fence. It fails and Frunza is back in the open and scoring with multiple straight punches. He goes for a flying knee that misses but he sense his opponent is in trouble. Kutsyi is tired and throwing desperation haymakers that are mostly missing. Frunza is all over Kutsyi and attacking the body with knees and kicks. Kutsyi shoots for a takedown that is unsuccessful and Frunza is now attacking him on the ground. Frunza swarms with ground-and-pound and Kutsyi covers up until the referee steps in and saves him from more punishment. Brilliant performance from Frunza.
Round 1 – Both men are peppering each other with low kicks early and stepping into the pocket. Voievodkin lands a huge punch that drops Schoenfelder to the mat and he’s hurt! Voievodkin immediately snatches the neck, gets on top and locks in the rear-naked choke that forces the MASSIVE upset. Voievodkin was a +550 underdog on some books and finishes the fight in the first. Stunning result.
UFC hopeful Daniel Frunza didn’t read into the odds as he outlasted and beat up Vadim Kutsyi.
[autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag] picked up a key win in style when it mattered most Tuesday in front of the UFC brass.
At Dana White’s Contender Series 73, Frunza (9-2) punched his way to a stoppage against experienced BRAVE CF alumnus [autotag]Vadim Kutsyi[/autotag] (17-2). The TKO stoppage came at 3:30 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (via X):
Both Frunza and Kutsyi battled through adversity over the course of the sub-eight-minute bout. Kutsyi was dropped early but stormed back and found success in the remainder of the round.
In Round 2, the tables turned as Kutsyi slowed down. Eventually a mixture of exhausted and damaged, Kutsyi was unable to defend the attack from the relentless Frunza.
With the win, Frunza extended his streak to five. In defeat, Kutsyi has a 10-fight streak snapped in his first action since 2022.
