DWCS Season 9: Full Season Report
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We’ve reached the conclusion of Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series, and there are several fighters that stood out. Some made their UFC debuts shortly after earning contracts, or are currently booked for to make it.
Nine seasons in, the show doesn’t carry the same hype and anticipation it once did. Still, DWCS continues to attract viewers and create buzz each week, with fans searching for content and prospects eager to seize their shot. There is also a large representation from international fighters this season, including fighters from or representing over 30 different countries.
Here is a full-season report to highlight the top performers and biggest stories from Season 9:
Number of Contracts This Season
This season was heavy on contracts, there were 46 total contracts. Which is an astonishing 4.6 per week, tying Season 7 for the most contracts in series history. The only notable outlier was Week 1, when just two contracts were handed out. This marks the fourth consecutive season with over 40 contracts awarded.
Some contracts went to fighters who typically wouldn’t receive them under normal circumstances. That included Shanelle Dyer, Sofia Montenegro, and Mark Vologdin, who all lost their fights. Louis Lee Scott also earned a contract despite missing weight.
Interestingly, all four women who fought this season earned contracts, even though there were only two female fights booked.
We also saw the brothers of UFC fighters earn their way in. Louis Jourdain earned a contract in Week 8; he’s the brother of UFC bantamweight Charles Jourdain. Cezary Oleksiejczuk won a contract in Week 4; he’s the brother of UFC middleweight Michał Oleksiejczuk.
5 Standout Contract Winners
The women of Season 9 understood the assignment. Caroline Foro brought rare power to her division, maintaining constant pressure while staying composed throughout the fight. Shanelle Dyer may have lost that bout but impressed with her resilience, getting dropped a few times yet never wavering.
Jeisla Chaves vs. Sofia Montenegro was the only other women’s fight this season. They also delivered non-stop back and forth action. It’s no surprise all the female competitors earned contracts.
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani stood out for both his skill and character. The broadcast team emphasized how respected he was by everyone at The Apex. His knockout of Congdon was brutal and quick. Congdon was out on his feet, and caught another strike that shut the lights out completely.
A protégé of Rener Gracie and Brian Ortega, Lebosnoyani looks poised to make a major impact in the UFC. The new age fighters that grew up training for MMA are officially here.
Baysangur Susurkaev
Baysangur Susurkaev accepted his Contender Series fight on just four days’ notice and delivered a first-round knockout. One of Khamzat Chimaev’s main training partners, he was a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Dana White clearly sees star potential, Susurkaev was one of the most promising prospects outside the UFC before signing.
He accidentally accepted another fight on just four more days notice and delivered once again. He fought on week 1 of the show, but stood the test of time through the season and still makes this list.
Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Mark Vologdin
The fight between Adrian Luna Martinetti and Mark Vologdin was dubbed the greatest fight in Contender Series history by the broadcast crew, and for good reason. Both men were hurt badly at multiple points. Yet neither backed down. Every minute swung like a pendulum, with momentum shifting back and forth as each fighter dug deep to stay alive.
It was a brutal showcase of skill, heart, and willpower that had everyone on their feet. The fight could have ended at any moment, but sheer determination kept it going until the final bell. It was only fitting that both fighters walked away with contracts, having delivered an instant classic that perfectly embodied what Dana White’s Contender Series is all about.
Luke Fernandez
Luke Fernandez is a fighter The Scrap has followed since his amateur days, so his success comes as no surprise. Still, a 15-second TKO is a statement. Fernandez dropped his opponent with the first punch he threw and followed up with ground and pound and pinpoint accuracy.
He didn’t miss a single strike, it was the definition of crisp, clean, and efficient striking. His game is well round also, despite not needing to show off his wrestling and ground skills.
Baysangur Susurkaev: From Training Partner to UFC Debut
Baysangur Susurkaev, one of Khamzat Chimaev’s main training partners, played a major role in Chimaev’s UFC 319 fight camp. Little did he know that the camp would also be for him, as he prepared to step in on short notice during Week 1 of Contender Series.
What no one expected was that just days later, he would make his UFC debut on the very same card he had been helping Khamzat prepare for.
During Week 2 of camp, Susurkaev suffered an injury that went unnoticed by most, except us. Check out our last IG Fight Camp:
Fighters Who Have Already Fought or Been Scheduled
Baysangur Susurkaev fought the same week he earned his contract. He is already scheduled for another PPV fight at UFC 322 in November. Cameron Rowston earned his contract the following week and immediately called his shot to fight on the card in Perth where he knocked out Andre Petroski in the first round.
AbdulRakhman Yakhyaev fights on November 22, while Donte Johnson fought on November 1, winning his return to middleweight via submission in round 2. Iwo Baraniewski competes at UFC 323 on December 6. Cezary Oleksiejczuk and Steven Asplund both fight on December 13, the UFC’s final fight card on ESPN.
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