It was yet another thrilling evening at the UFC APEX as Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series roared into Week 5. Following a remarkable three-week run that saw the addition of 14 new recruits and a staggering 12 finishes across 15 bouts, the excitement continued to escalate on Tuesday night. Fans were treated to explosive fights, showcasing the rising stars of mixed martial arts.
This week, five additional fighters earned contracts, bringing the total number of competitors signed in Season 9 to an impressive 22 athletes through just five weeks. Among the notable performances, Freddy Vidal expressed hope to join this elite group with a more complete showing in the upcoming weeks. The action has been relentless, and we have compiled all the details from Tuesday night’s electrifying bouts.
In the heavyweight main event, Steven Asplund faced off against Anthony Guarascio, and the fight began with both competitors launching aggressive strikes. Asplund, nicknamed “Concrete,” quickly found his target, dropping Guarascio with a powerful left hand. He followed up with relentless strikes on the ground, securing a TKO victory just 16 seconds into Round 1.
In another rapid finish, Lerryan Douglas made quick work of Cam Teague, knocking him out with a right hand just 36 seconds into Round 1. Douglas's explosive performance showcased his striking prowess and left the audience in awe.
In a battle that showcased both skill and resilience, Freddy Vidal overcame Felipe Franco with a last-minute submission victory via a rear-naked choke at 4:48 of Round 3. After being taken down early, Vidal reversed the situation and delivered a series of elbows that wore Franco down. The fight culminated in a tense third round, where Vidal’s strategic grappling secured him the win just before the final bell.
Samuel Sanches displayed patience and precision against Chasen Blair, ultimately knocking him out at 2:01 of Round 1. After defending against an early choke attempt, Sanches capitalized on his opponent’s momentary lapse, delivering a fierce combination of strikes capped off with a devastating overhand right.
In the opening bout of the night, Carol Foro faced off against Shanelle Dyer, marking Dyer's first defeat. Foro dominated the fight, knocking Dyer down twice in the first round and showing superior striking throughout the match. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Foro, highlighting her powerful performance.
The excitement from Week 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 proves that the road to the UFC is paved with intense competition and breathtaking performances. With 22 fighters now signed, the series continues to showcase the best emerging talent in mixed martial arts. Fans looking to catch more thrilling fights and exclusive content can subscribe to UFC Fight Pass, the ultimate platform for combat sports enthusiasts.
