Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 kicks off with Week 1 (aka DWCS 77), marking the start of a new season, live from UFC Apex in Las Vegas on August 12. The fight card features five bouts with MMA prospects looking to impress and earn a UFC contract.
In the main event, Ilian Bouafia (6-0) of France faces Neemias Santana (7-2-1) of Brazil at middleweight. In the co-main event, Ty Miller (5-0) of Albuquerque, NM takes on New York’s Jimmy Drago (7-2-0) at welterweight.
Also on the card is a middleweight bout between Baysangur Susurkaev (8-0) and Murtaza Talha (7-1) of Bahrain. George Mangos (7-0) of Australia and Canada’s Radley da Silva (7-1) clash at featherweight. Another contest at middleweight pits Christopher Ewert (7-0) of Chile against Yuri Panferov (8-1).
DWCS 77: Bouafia vs Santana results
Get DWCS 77: Bouafia vs Santana full fight card results below.
- Ilian Bouafia def. Neemias Santana by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
- Ty Miller def. Jimmy Drago by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Baysangur Susurkaev def. Murtaza Talha by KO (body front kick, R1, 3:04)
- Radley da Silva def. George Mangos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Yuri Panferov def. Christopher Ewert by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
UFC contract winners: Ty Miller and Baysangur Susurkaev
DWCS 77: Bouafia vs Santana live blog
Ty Miller and Baysangur Susurkaev earn UFC contracts
Ty Miller (6-0) of Albuquerque, NM and Baysangur Susurkaev (9-0) have won UFC contracts, securing their place in the promotion.
Post-fight press conference
The post-fight press conference wraps up the event, as Dana White announces the UFC contract winners.
Ilian Bouafia defeats Neemias Santana by decision
Ilian Bouafia (7-0) of France defeats Neemias Santana (7-3-1) of Brazil by unanimous decision at middleweight. . The scores were 30-26, 29-27, and 29-27.
Ty Miller defeats Jimmy Drago by decision
Ty Miller (6-0) of Albuquerque, NM defeats New York’s Jimmy Drago (7-3-0) by unanimous decision at welterweight. All three judges scored it 30-27.
Baysangur Susurkaev KO's Murtaza Talha in first round
In another bout at middleweight, Baysangur Susurkaev (9-0) defeats Bahrain’s Murtaza Talha (7-2) by knockout in the first round with a front kick to the body. The time of stoppage was 3:04 into the round.
Radley da Silva defeats George Mangos by decision
Radley da Silva (8-1) of Canada defeats Australia’s George Mangos (7-1) by unanimous decision at featherweight. All three scores were 29-28.
Yuri Panferov defeats Christopher Ewert by decision
In the event opener, Yuri Panferov (9-1) defeats Christopher Ewert (7-1) of Chile by unanimous decision. After three rounds at middleweight, all three judges scored it 30-27.
Top DWCS Contract Winners
The fights begin at the top of the hour. Ahead of the event, check out this highlight featuring some of the previous UFC contract winners from DWCS.
DWCS 77: How to watch and start time
DWCS 77 airs live on ESPN+. The start time is 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.