“To be honest with you, I still do not believe it,” Voievodkin told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference Tuesday. “It’s the greatest day of my life.”
Despite the elation of living out a dream, Voievodkin also felt sadness. As he revealed during his post-fight interview on the broadcast, Voievodkin lost a friend, Roman Golovatyuk, who was killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. He dedicated the performance to his memory.
“He was a European world champion in WAKO kickboxing,” Voievodkin said. “We met at competitions. We met together at training camps. He was just an amazing guy. He was always beating me up. I grew up a lot training with him. During the first days of work, he went, as a warrior, to defend his country and died as a hero.”
Keeping his friend’s memory alive, Voievodkin enters the UFC proud to represent his home country – and he thinks that pride is a two-way street.
“I think all of the country was on their feet during this moment, even though it’s night,” Voievodkin said. It means a lot to my friends. My family is very happy. In the future, I want to be in the UFC’s top five and continue to show great performances.”
Voievodkin, 24, attributed his large underdog status Tuesday to two main factors: nationality and ignorance of amateur credentials.
“To be honest, if I had not been Ukrainian but American citizen, I’d be a favorite. I was sure of my victory,” Voievodkin said. “… Everybody only judges professional fights. But I have tons of amateur fights and I have beaten way stronger opponents in there than him.”
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As for when he’d like to debut in the UFC, Voievodkin indicated in the early parts of 2025 would be prime.
“To be honest, I hadn’t thought of it but perhaps after the new year or beginning of the new year,” Voievodkin said. “What opponent it will be, it doesn’t matter. In the cage will show who is the better opponent. That’s pretty much it. It’s all in God’s will.”
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.
A Ukrainian heavyweight proved the oddsmakers wrong during his fight for a UFC contract.
If he looked at the betting odds ahead of the fight, [autotag]Danylo Voievodkin[/autotag] chose not to conform to expectations.
A +526 underdog on average across major online sports books (per BestFightOdds), Voievodkin (7-0) knocked down and then submitted [autotag]Bailey Schoenfelder[/autotag] (5-1) with a rear-naked choke at 1:13 of Round 1. The heavyweight bout headlined Dana White’s Contender Series 73 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Voievodkin landed a right-left combination that dropped Schoenfelder to the canvas. He then scrambled to the ground and grabbed hold of Schoenfelder’s neck. A brief squeeze later, the tap emerged (via X):
Ukraine’s Voievodkin, 24, maintains a 100 percent winning and finishing rate with the victory. Schoenfelder, the CFFC heavyweight champion, loses for the first time as a professional.
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+.
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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.
