On a remarkable Tuesday night at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Week 5 of the Contender Series showcased thrilling action and extraordinary performances, culminating in five fighters receiving coveted UFC contracts. The evening was marked by two of the fastest knockouts in Contender Series history, highlighting the intensity and excitement of mixed martial arts.
The main event featured Steven Asplund, who nearly broke the record for the fastest knockout in Contender Series history by finishing Anthony Guarascio in a mere 16 seconds during their heavyweight bout. Asplund, who once weighed over 500 pounds, entered the octagon with a fierce attitude, branding the matchup as “trailer park vs. trailer trash.” However, the anticipated war quickly turned into a one-sided affair, as Asplund unleashed a devastating shovel hook, followed by a relentless barrage of ground and pound. With his incredible performance and charismatic personality, UFC CEO Dana White had little choice but to award Asplund a contract.
In the co-main event, Lerryan Douglas stunned fans by knocking out Cam Teague just 36 seconds into their featherweight clash. At 30 years old, Douglas leveraged his extensive experience to quickly gauge Teague's tendencies, landing a powerful combination of hooks that sent Teague crashing to the canvas. Despite Teague's attempts to survive, Douglas's ferocious left hook sealed the deal, marking it as the seventh-fastest knockout in Contender Series history. Despite being overshadowed by Asplund's performance, Dana White also recognized Douglas's talent and awarded him a UFC contract.
In one of the evening's most unexpected moments, Freddy Vidal submitted Felipe Franco in the third round of their light heavyweight bout. Franco, initially favored to win, demonstrated his skills early on with effective takedowns and positional control. However, after Vidal executed a reversal, the tide turned. As Franco struggled in the third round, Vidal pulled off a dramatic rear-naked choke submission just as the fight was nearing its end. Although Vidal accepted the fight on short notice and missed weight, Dana White offered him a chance to compete in the final episode of this season's Contender Series, allowing him to earn his place in the UFC.
In another electrifying bout, Samuel Sanches delivered a stunning knockout against Chasen Blair in the first round of their lightweight fight. Training alongside heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida, Sanches initially struggled against Blair, a former Division 1 wrestler. However, after breaking free from a precarious position, Sanches pinned Blair against the fence and unleashed a ferocious combination of strikes, effectively securing his own entry into the UFC with this impressive victory.
The opening fight of the evening featured Carol Foro and Shanelle Dyer, who engaged in an exhilarating battle that showcased their heart and determination. Foro set a relentless pace, delivering powerful hooks to both Dyer's body and head. Dyer fought valiantly to fend off Foro's attacks but was repeatedly knocked down by Foro's striking in the first and second rounds. As the fight progressed, Dyer began to find her rhythm and landed some effective shots; however, it was not enough to alter the outcome. In recognition of their spectacular display, Dana White awarded contracts to both women, highlighting the fight as one of the best of the season.
This historic night at the UFC Contender Series not only showcased incredible athleticism and determination but also solidified the pathways for these talented fighters to join the ranks of the UFC. With five new contracts handed out, the future of these athletes looks bright as they embark on their professional journeys in mixed martial arts.
