When you’re an undefeated, 24-year-old, 6-foot-7 heavyweight prospect with an opportunity to fight on the Dana White Contender Series, you have a great chance to be impressive and earn a contract.
Tallison Teixeira checked every box with a definitive first-round KO win over Arthur Lopes. The finish drew an audible reaction from White, which is a sure sign that the victorious fighter will get a contract.
The victory earned Teixeira a contract and pushed the Brazilian’s record to a perfect 7-0.
It’s been a while since the UFC has had a heavyweight come into its ranks so young and balanced in grappling and striking. Teixeira has finished every fight with six KOs and one submission victory. Teixeira is also a Jiu Jitsu black belt. He has the potential to become the complete package and a legitimate title contender in two to three years.
The Other Contract Winners
Ahmad Hassanzada
White was on the fence with Hassanzada, but Sean Shelby won him over and got him the UFC contract. Hassanzada pulled out an exciting submission win over Dylan Mantello after getting hurt earlier in the fight.
The Afghanistan native is a gamer, but his game has some holes. He must keep working to be more than just a body in the UFC.
Ateba Gautier
The 22-year-old was called raw and ultra-athletic, which is a good description. Gautier became the second Cameroonian fighter in the UFC, and yes, they acknowledged Francis Ngannou on the broadcast.
Gautier is a freak athlete, explosive and powerful, but he has horrendous takedown defense at this point in his career. White is a sucker for guys with insane athleticism, and that’s what Gautier is at his core.
Time will tell if he can develop into more. Former heavyweight champion Frank Mir was seen backstage coaching up Gautier, but during the post-event interview, he didn’t seem keen on adding the UFC legend to his team.
We’ll see if he can add layers to his game.
Elijah Smith
Smith had to dig deep to overcome fatigue and a formidable opponent in the night’s final fight. At one point, it looked like he might quit in the final round.
While he just needed to survive the final round to win the fight, I’m convinced he earned his contract by finding the intestinal fortitude to bite down on his mouthpiece to engage in the firefight with Tau to the final horn.
Smith becomes the second-ever second-generation fighter in UFC history, following in the footsteps of his father, Gilbert Smith.
It was a great fight and story to watch unfold.
Dana White Contender Series, Season 8, Week 6 Results
Here is a look at all of the results from the fights.
- Elijah Smith def. Aaron Tau via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
- Talisson Teixeira def. Arthur Lopes via TKO at 1:57 of Round 1
- Benjamin Bennett def. Joey Hart via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
The only winner who didn’t get a contract was Bennett. I thought he lost the fight, so it seems fitting that he was turned away.
- Ateba Gautier def. Yura Naito via TKO at 4:00 of Round 2
- Ahmad Hassanzada def. Dylan Mantello via submission at 2:41 of Round 3 (Rear-naked choke)
