DWCS Week 6 features a smattering of once-beaten prospects and undefeated upstarts at the UFC Apex in hopes of earning Ultimate Fighting Championship contracts.
Twenty-four fights have gone down at the midpoint of the fifth season of Dana White's Contender Series so far. After those 24 appearances, 21 fighters have been signed to the UFC, further cementing the idea that a victory at these events all but guarantees you a roster spot with MMA’s premier league.
All three nations in North America will be represented in some fashion on Tuesday, as well as the rare up-and-comer from Israel. A pair of unbeaten fighters will take the stage throughout the night, and veterans from Bellator MMA, World Series of Fighting and the Legacy Fighting Alliance have fought their way up the ranks to get the callup to what the commentary team calls “the ultimate job interview.” Only two of the 10 involved in the five fracases of the evening come in over the age of 30, highlighting the matchmakers’ desire to bring in young talent.
Standouts ahead of this event include two-time Bellator competitor and unbeaten 21-year-old Shimon Smotritsky, who debuted in the sport at the ripe age of 16 and has won all seven of his outings. Facing him will be Team Alpha Male rep Mike Malott out of Canada, who brings a 100% finish rate, with all six of his victories coming in the first round. Additionally, on short notice, recent bare-knuckle MMA victor Joshua Weems (9-1) steps in at bantamweight against five-time LFA fighter and Fortis MMA stalwart Fernando Garcia (9-1), but the former missed weight by several pounds ahead of his opportunity.
Dana White’s Contender Series 2021: Week 6 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Oct. 5, and airs live on ESPN+ at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
THE LINEUP
170: Shimon Smotritsky (7-0) vs. Mike Malott (6-1-1)125: Daniel Barez (12-4) vs. Carlos Hernandez (6-1)
139: Joshua Weems (9-1) vs. Fernando Garcia (9-1)
185: Shonte Barnes (6-1-1) vs. Joseph Holmes (5-1)
155: Patrik White (9-1) vs. Genaro Valdez (9-0)