Dana White’s Contender Series has become a key platform for fighters on the regional scene. Since its conception, the UFC Fight Pass-turned-ESPN+ summer original removed some of the guesswork for up-and-comers trying to make it big.
With UFC president Dana White and matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby cage-side, the stakes are high. Have an impressive, exciting win on the show, you’re in.
Rumored for a late-June 2020 start date, the fourth season of DWCS isn’t that far off almost. The lineups haven’t been announced yet, but advanced planning is underway. While there are hundreds of fighters qualified to compete on the show, we’ll narrow each divisional pool to 10 fighters who you should see compete on the show this summer.
Up next, the light heavyweights.
Ibo Aslan*
Record: 8-0
Age: 23
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Austria
A main training partner of light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic, [autotag]Ibo Aslan[/autotag] is the next beastly light heavyweight to come out of Austria. Looking at Aslan’s physique, it’s no surprise his strength and power are above average. He fits the part. A ground-and-pound specialist, Aslan has finished the majority of his opponents inside the distance. Competing for top Austrian regional promotions Vendetta and Austrian FC, Aslan has taken out the who’s who of fighters in his home country – and he’ll look to continue that success on the summer series.
* = Aslan’s participation in DWCS season 4 has already been confirmed
Dustin Jacoby*
Record: 11-5
Age: 31
Height: 6’4″
Birthplace: Fort Morgan, Colo.
Fans who only follow mainstream promotions may recognize [autotag]Dustin Jacoby[/autotag]. A pro MMA fighter since 2010, Jacoby has competed in the UFC (twice), WSOF (once), Titan FC (once), and Bellator (twice). Jacoby has also competed 11 times in GLORY kickboxing. Despite some struggles in his kickboxing career early on, Jacoby turned a corner in 2015. He won his last five GLORY fights – all of which he finished inside the distance. The Factory X member will test the waters at 205 pounds and propel himself to the ranks of the UFC.
* = Jacoby’s participation in DWCS season 4 has already been confirmed