Dana White's Contender Series, launched in 2017, gives prospects a single fight to earn a UFC contract.
Dana White's Contender Series gives unsigned fighters a single fight to earn a UFC contract. Winning is not enough; the fighter has to impress UFC president Dana White, who announces contract winners at the end of each episode.
The series has run every summer since 2017 at the UFC's Las Vegas venue and streams on Paramount+ in the US from 2026.
Latest results
Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10 (2026) — August 11 – October 13, 2026, UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Week 1 — August 11, 2026
| Weight | Winner | Loser | Method | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Anthony Wint | Matt Adams | TKO, R1 0:34 | Yes |
| Lightweight | Abe Alsaghir | Fabrizio Escarrega | Split decision | — |
| Flyweight | Bilal Hasan | Mridul Saikia | TKO (punches), R1 0:45 | Yes |
| Featherweight | Thomas Pagliarulo | Ananias Mulumba | TKO, R3 4:24 | Yes |
| Middleweight | Joseph Kropschot | Jon Kunneman | Unanimous decision | Yes |
History & key moments
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 2017 | First season |
| 2026 | Season 10, August 11 – October 13; Anthony Wint earns a contract and wins his UFC debut seven weeks later |
A fan's guide
Each Contender Series episode has five fights, and the drama is in the contract announcements at the end. Fighters who win but do not impress may still leave without a UFC deal, so watch for finishes and dominant performances.
Episodes stream on Paramount+ from 2026; the series typically runs on Tuesday nights from August to October.
Our take
The Contender Series is the best talent pipeline in MMA. The quality of fighters it has produced has improved every season, and Anthony Wint's progression from Week 1 contract to a 23-second UFC debut win in 2026 shows how fast a good prospect can move.
Our only criticism: the 'finish or nothing' culture can push fighters into reckless styles. A dominant decision should earn a contract as often as a knockout.
What's next
Season 11 is expected in summer 2027.
Latest coverage
Coverage of the next edition will appear here.
FAQ
What is Dana White's Contender Series?
A fight series where unsigned fighters compete for UFC contracts.
When does the Contender Series air?
Each summer, usually August to October.
Does every winner get a contract?
No. Dana White chooses who receives a contract.