The fifth episode in Season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series was probably the least eventful of the year. We lost a fight as one favorite reportedly backed out of his bout for an unspecified reason.
We saw three stoppages and contract winners, but only one was memorable. In fact, one of the fighters who won by TKO didn’t even get a contract offer. Perhaps White and I are a little spoiled.
In any case, here is a look at the results and the contract winners.
Results and Contract Winners
Navajo Stirling (Contract Winner) defeats Phillip Latu via TKO at 2:21 of Round 2
Despite coming into the fight with just four professional fights, Stirling looked the most comfortable and polished of everyone who competed on Tuesday at the Apex.
From the opening of the first round, it appeared it was just a matter of time before he would catch Latu.
The moment happened in the second round when the City Kickboxing product flattened Latu with a left hook to register the one-punch KO to lock up the contract offer from White.
Yousri Belgaroui (No Contract Offer) defeats Taiga Iwasaki via TKO at 2:34 of Round 3
Belgaroui was back for his second opportunity on DWCS. He lost his first fight to Marco Tulio (who just earned a contract last week) back in August 2023. Belgaroui dealt with Lyme disease and other issues during that fight but was healthy for his clash with Iwasaki.
Despite being a massive favorite–the biggest on the card–and enjoying a considerable size advantage, Belgaroui seemed to struggle to finish a seemingly overmatched opponent.
While Belgaroui got the finish in the final round, White nor I was impressed with his performance.
Josias Musasa (Contract Winner) defeats Otari Tanzilovi via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
If DWCS had given a Fight of the Night bonus for the episode, the scrap between Musasa and Tanzilovi would have won on Tuesday. Both young men fought hard, but Musasa pulled out a controversial split decision win.
I thought Tanzilovi might have done enough to win–as did White. However, Musasa’s pressure, takedown defense, and superior gas tank impressed two judges enough to give him the fight.
Both men deserve a chance in the UFC, and Tanzilovi is likely to get another shot on DWCS in the future, per White.
Nicolle Caliari (Contract Winner) defeats Corrine Laframboise via submission at 4:45 of Round 1 (Armbar)
There were a few rocky moments early, but ultimately, Caliari proved superior on the ground and tough enough on the feet to make relatively quick work of Laframboise in the show’s opener.
Caliari wrapped up the win and her contract with the armbar finish. I don’t think she develops into a top contender, but seeing how her career develops will be interesting.
Quemuel Ottoni, who beat Alex Pereira in 2015, withdrew from his fight with Kody Steele. White said the latter would be paid his show money as he had made weight and was ready to compete.
