Last night, Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) demonstrated yet again why it’s the UFC’s premier talent scouting platform. Since its inception, DWCS has been a proving ground for fighters aspiring to join the UFC roster, with alumni making significant impacts in the octagon. Last night’s event was no exception, showcasing a mix of seasoned prospects and fresh faces, all vying for that coveted UFC contract. The performances not only highlight the depth of talent emerging from the series but also underscore Dana White’s keen eye for fighters who could shape the future of the UFC. Let’s take a look at some of the DWCS alumni who are making a mark on the sport:
Former Champs
Sean O’Malley – DWCS 2017
“Suga” Sean O’Malley’s highlight-reel knockout and Snoop Dogg’s reaction thereto has to be the most viewed moment in Dana White’s Contender Series’ history. Since then, O’Malley ascended the ranks and achieved UFC gold, all while carving out a distinctive niche with his flamboyant style both inside and outside the octagon. Although a recent loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 stripped O’Malley of his belt, he remains a fan favorite.
Jamahal Hill – DWCS 2019
Jamahal Hill’s journey to the top started with a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series where he earned his UFC contract. In January 2023, he became the first DWCS alumnus to win the title; he did so in record-setting fashion against Glover Teixeira by landing the most significant strikes in a single light heavyweight fight. Hill’s tenure as champion was brief due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, but his finishing ability demonstrated by knockouts against fighters like Johnny Walker and Thiago Santos has cemented his reputation as one of the division’s most exciting fighters.
Rising Prospects
Jack Della Maddalena – DWCS 2021
Hailing from Australia, Jack Della Maddalena made his UFC debut in January 2022 at UFC 270, where he earned a Performance of the Night award with a first-round TKO victory, setting a high bar for his future performances. Undefeated in the UFC, Della Maddalena has lived up to the hype, with wins over impressive competition like Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland. With the longest active win streak and #4 rank in the welterweight division, we expect the Aussie to earn a title fight with another win.
Bo Nickal – DWCS 2022
Bo Nickal was on fight fans’ radar long before his first fight in the UFC. A former standout wrestler at Penn State, Nickal made his MMA debut on Jorge Masvidal’s iKON FC with a strike-first approach, leaving his opponent stiff on the canvas in a brutal KO victory. Nickal took a different angle in his two appearances on Dana White Contender Series, in which he submitted both of his opponents. A consistent theme throughout Bo’s career would become apparent; Bo needed very little time to get his opponent out of the octagon. While he entered the UFC with a professional record of 3-0, he has taken the increased competition in stride. With finishes in all 3 of his UFC fights, his skills will really be put to the test in his next bout against Paul Craig at UFC 309.
Caio Borralho – DWCS 2021
Caio Borralho’s career inside the UFC octagon has been marked by an impressive winning streak, where he’s utilized his striking and grappling skills to secure victories over seasoned fighters like Jared Cannonier and Paul Craig. Such success is reflected in his #5 rank in the middleweight division. Part of Borralho’s success is surely attributable to those with whom he chooses to surround himself; his gym, The Fighting Nerds, has been on a tear recently, with top prospects like Carlos Prates and Jean Silva (fellow DWCS alumni) earning big-time finishes on the biggest stage in combat sports.
Brendan Allen – DWCS 2019
Dana must have an eye for the middleweight division. Brendan Allen made an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in Season 3, a season that saw an expansion and increase in the number of contracts awarded, highlighting the platform’s role in scouting and developing UFC talent. Since joining the UFC following his stint on the Contender Series, Allen has carved out a reputation as a formidable middleweight with a penchant for securing rear-naked chokes. Wins against Bruno Silva, Paul Craig, André Muniz, and Chris Curtis have propelled Brendan Allen to #8 in the UFC middleweight rankings. He faces Nassourdine Imavov this weekend at UFC Paris; the winner will have a compelling case for a title shot.
