UFC 295 Preview And Prediction: All You Need To Know

On October 4, 2023, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, the penultimate week of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7 unfolded. As always, this event offered promising fighters the chance to showcase their skills and earn a contract with the UFC. With a record-setting previous week, the bar was set high, and these contenders aimed to impress UFC President Dana White.

Last week, six fighters secured their spots on the UFC roster, including bantamweight Vinicius Oliveira, welterweight Danny Barlow, flyweights Ernesta Kareckiate and Carli Judice, and featherweights Danny Silva and Angel Pacheco. These additions brought the total number of contracts awarded in Season 7 to 36, inching closer to last year’s record.

Tuesday night saw four sets of determined fighters take the stage, each hoping to catch Dana White’s attention. The night delivered thrilling action, leaving the UFC President with some tough decisions.

All four winners—Mauricio Ruffy, Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, Victor Hugo, and Rodolfo Bellato—received the life-changing call to join the UFC. Notably, even in defeat, light heavyweight Jose Daniel Medina’s valiant effort against Gadzhiyasulov earned him a UFC contract.

With these contracts, Season 7 reached a remarkable total of 41, setting the stage for an exciting six-fight finale next week.

Let’s dive into the details of Tuesday night’s matchups, including the fighters’ names, ages, heights, and more:

Fight Night Results

1. Mauricio Ruffy vs. Raimond Magomedaliev (welterweight)

    Mauricio Ruffy

      Age: 27

      Height: 1.80 m

      Record: 9-1-0

Finishes: 9 (T)KO, 0 Submissions

    Raimond Magomedaliev

      Age: 33

      Height: 1.85 m

      Record: 10-2-0

Finishes: 5 (T)KO, 2 Submissions

The welterweight bout between Ruffy and Magomedaliev showcased a competitive and technical battle. Ruffy’s relentless striking ultimately dominated, securing him a TKO victory in the third round.

Result: Mauricio Ruffy defeats Raimond Magomedaliev by TKO (strikes) at 4:45 in Round 3.

2. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Jose Daniel Medina (welterweight)

    Magomed Gadzhiyasulov

      Age: 29

      Height: 1.88 m

      Record: 8-0-0

Finishes: 5 (T)KO, 1 Submission

Jose Daniel Medina

      Age: 32

      Height: 1.83 m

      Record: 11-3-0

Finishes: 8 (T)KO, 1 Submission

Gadzhiyasulov’s technical striking and range control proved superior against Medina. Despite fading late in the fight, Gadzhiyasulov secured a unanimous decision win.

Result: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov defeats Jose Daniel Medina by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

3. Victor Hugo vs. Eduardo Torres Caut (Bantamweight)

    Victor Hugo

      Age: 30

      Height: 1.70 m

      Record: 24-4-0

Finishes: 7 (T)KO, 10 Submissions

Eduardo Torres Caut

      Age: 28

      Height: 1.78 m

      Record: 16-2-0

Finishes: 6 (T)KO, 3 Submissions

In the bantamweight division, Victor Hugo’s striking prowess shone brightly. He secured a submission win via kneebar in the second round against Torres Caut.

Result: Victor Hugo defeats Eduardo Torres Caut by Submission (kneebar) at 2:16 of Round 2.

4. Rodolfo Bellato vs. Murtaza Talha (Light Heavyweight, Main Event)

    Rodolfo Bellato

      Age: 27

      Height: 1.91 m

      Record: 11-2-0

Finishes: 6 (T)KO, 4 Submissions

    Murtaza Talha

      Age: 27

      Height: 1.83 m

      Record: 6-1-0

Finishes: 3 (T)KO, 3 Submissions

In the main event, Rodolfo Bellato sought redemption against Murtaza Talha in the light heavyweight division. Bellato’s striking dominated early in the second round, resulting in a TKO victory.

Result: Rodolfo Bellato defeats Murtaza Talha by TKO (strikes) at 4:46 in Round 2.

As Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9, concluded, it showcased emerging talents with diverse skills. With 41 contracts awarded this season and the highly anticipated six-fight finale approaching, the future of MMA continues to shine brightly.

As the dust settles on Week 9, the MMA world can look forward to witnessing these promising talents take the next step in their careers. Dana White’s Contender Series remains a vital gateway to the UFC, ensuring that the sport’s brightest prospects receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

In closing, Dana White’s Contender Series Week 9 delivered unforgettable moments, stunning finishes, and a glimpse into the future of MMA. The fighters who secured their contracts have taken the first step towards realising their dreams, and fight fans worldwide eagerly anticipate their Octagon appearances.

The September 2023 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series Week 9 will be remembered for the triumphs and the determination displayed by these fighters. With the UFC’s continued commitment to scouting and nurturing talent, the sport of mixed martial arts is poised for an exciting and vibrant future.

As we bid farewell to another thrilling episode of Dana White’s Contender Series, we eagerly await the grand finale, where these fighters will have the opportunity to etch their names in the annals of UFC history. The journey continues for these warriors, and the Octagon beckons with its promise of glory and recognition on the world stage.

Stay tuned for more exhilarating action from the world of mixed martial arts as we celebrate the achievements of these fighters and anticipate the next chapter in their remarkable journeys.