Dana White's Contender Series returned with a frantic, finish-heavy slate as Contender Series 2025: Week 9 roared through Las Vegas. From a 15-second TKO to a grinding lightweight dogfight, this card fed the highlight reels and, yes, stacked the pile of UFC contracts.
Lightning starts, razor-edge wars
At light heavyweight, Luke Fernandez needed only 15 seconds to melt Rafael Pergentino—blink and you missed it. That explosive start set the tone for a night where prospects swung hard for life-changing deals.
Lightweight mayhem stole the show as Magomed Zaynukov vs. Lucas Caldas turned into a brutal, cardio-soaked brawl. Zaynukov’s forward pressure and power shots earned emphatic 30-26 scorecards across the board.
Nukes from Zaynukov 💥
— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) October 8, 2025
Another insane fight between Magomed Zaynukov and Lucas Caldas #DWCS pic.twitter.com/qi5CJdV5lq
Fight of the Night contender at bantamweight
Then came the bantamweight classic: Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Mark Vologdin. Three rounds of pace, pressure, and momentum swings had the desk buzzing.
"This is one of the best fights we have ever seen."@Laura_Sanko | #DWCS pic.twitter.com/wUJLJDpFD3
— UFC (@ufc) October 8, 2025
Elsewhere, flyweight phenom Imanol Rodriguez kept the undefeated train rolling by blasting through Roque Conceição in round one (Junior vs. Rodriguez). At welterweight, veteran savvy carried Luis Felipe Dias to a late rear-naked choke over Donovan Hedrick (Hedrick vs. Felipe Dias). And at light heavyweight, Fernandez’s blitz over Pergentino (Fernandez vs. Pergentino) bookended a statement night for Week 9 hopefuls.
Who earned UFC contracts?
- Luke Fernandez
- Luis Felipe Dias
- Imanol Rodriguez
- Adrian Luna Martinetti
- Mark Vologdin
- Magomed Zaynukov
Contender Series 2025: Week 9 — Full Results
- Light Heavyweight: Luke Fernandez def. Rafael Pergentino — TKO (punches), R1 0:15
- Middleweight: Luis Felipe Dias def. Donovan Hedrick — Submission (RNC), R2 4:37
- Flyweight: Imanol Rodriguez def. Roque Conceicao — TKO (punches), R1 2:12
- Bantamweight: Adrian Luna Martinetti def. Mark Vologdin — Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
- Lightweight: Magomed Zaynukov def. Lucas Caldas — Unanimous Decision (30-26 x3)
Read up, match by match
Dive deeper via the official bout pages: Junior vs. Rodriguez, Luna Martinetti vs. Vologdin, Fernandez vs. Pergentino, Zaynukov vs. Caldas, and Hedrick vs. Felipe Dias. For the full event hub, see Contender Series 2025: Week 9 under Dana White's Contender Series.
FAQ — Quick answers for searchers
Who got UFC contracts at DWCS Week 9?
Luke Fernandez, Luis Felipe Dias, Imanol Rodriguez, Adrian Luna Martinetti, Mark Vologdin, and Magomed Zaynukov.
What was the best fight at DWCS Week 9?
Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Mark Vologdin drew “best fight” buzz, while Zaynukov vs. Caldas delivered the heaviest artillery.
Fastest finish on the card?
Luke Fernandez scored a 15-second TKO over Rafael Pergentino at light heavyweight.
