Dana White's Contender Series returns for Season 10
A fresh group of prospects gets its first chance to fight for a UFC contract when Dana White's Contender Series returns on August 11. Contender Series 2026: Week 1 brings five fights to the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, beginning a new season of one of MMA’s most direct routes from prospect status to the UFC roster.
The opening main event is an intriguing heavyweight matchup between undefeated Anthony Wint and Matthew Adams. Wint has attracted attention not only because of his 6-0 MMA record, but because his athletic career previously took him into professional football as a linebacker with the New York Jets.
Anthony Wint faces his biggest MMA test against Matthew Adams
Wint only made his professional MMA debut in 2023, yet he has already finished five of six opponents. His explosive style is exactly the sort of thing that tends to stand out on the Contender Series, where fighters know an impressive finish can change their careers overnight.
Adams vs. Wint is not simply designed as a showcase for the unbeaten heavyweight, however. Adams enters at 6-2 and has already recovered from setbacks during his young career. After losing his professional debut, he rattled off five consecutive victories before falling by submission in an LFA championship fight against Arslan Bilalov.
Adams responded to that defeat with a first-round knockout in March. That makes Tuesday's main event a useful test of where both men really stand: Wint brings the unbeaten record and athletic upside, while Adams has already experienced tougher nights and learned how to rebound from them.
DWCS Week 1 undercard brings prospects from four divisions
The lightweight matchup Escarrega vs. Alsaghir gives Fabrizio Escarrega and Abe Alsaghir their own opportunity to make an immediate impression. Flyweights Bilal Hasan and Mridul Saikia meet in Hasan vs. Saikia, another matchup where one strong performance could instantly introduce a new name to a wider MMA audience.
At featherweight, Pagliarulo vs. Mulumba matches Tom Pagliarulo with Ananias Mulumba, while the card is completed by a middleweight contest between Jonathan Kunneman and Joseph Kropschot in Kropschot vs. Kunneman.
All 10 fighters successfully made weight, removing any late uncertainty from the Season 10 opener.
Tuesday’s Week 1 hopefuls have hit the scales ⚖️
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 10, 2026
Check out their official weights ahead of tomorrow’s #DWCS action ⬇️https://t.co/Wd3EyoIyBk
The show is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Paramount+. As always with the Contender Series, winning is only part of the assignment. The real goal is convincing Dana White that the performance deserves a UFC contract.
DWCS 2026 Week 1 FAQ
When is DWCS 2026 Week 1?
Contender Series 2026: Week 1 takes place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Who is fighting in the DWCS 2026 Week 1 main event?
Anthony Wint faces Matthew Adams in a heavyweight main event to open Season 10.
What is Anthony Wint's MMA record?
Wint enters his Contender Series appearance with a 6-0 professional record and five finishes.
Did Anthony Wint play in the NFL?
Wint previously played linebacker and spent time with the New York Jets before pursuing professional mixed martial arts.
What is Matthew Adams' MMA record?
Adams enters DWCS Week 1 at 6-2. He won five consecutive fights after losing his professional debut and most recently returned to the win column with a first-round knockout.
Did everyone make weight for DWCS 2026 Week 1?
Yes. All 10 fighters successfully made weight, so all five scheduled fights are set to proceed.
What time does Dana White's Contender Series Week 1 start?
The card is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Tuesday, August 11.
DWCS 2026 Week 1 full fight card and weights
Heavyweight Main Event
Anthony Wint vs. Matthew Adams
Anthony Wint: 234 lbs
Matthew Adams: 235.5 lbs
Lightweight
Fabrizio Escarrega vs. Abe Alsaghir
Fabrizio Escarrega: 156 lbs
Abe Alsaghir: 155.5 lbs
Flyweight
Bilal Hasan vs. Mridul Saikia
Bilal Hasan: 125 lbs
Mridul Saikia: 125.5 lbs
Featherweight
Tom Pagliarulo vs. Ananias Mulumba
Tom Pagliarulo: 145 lbs
Ananias Mulumba: 145.5 lbs
Middleweight
Jonathan Kunneman vs. Joseph Kropschot
Jonathan Kunneman: 185.5 lbs
Joseph Kropschot: 185.5 lbs
Watch more Dana White's Contender Series
Looking for more before Season 10 begins? Watch MMAtown's collection of 6 insane DWCS Season 9 fights and the best of Dana White's Contender Series 2025.
For a final look at the card before fight night, also watch the DWCS 2026 Week 1 weigh-ins, where all fighters successfully made weight.