The new season of the Dana White's Contender Series launches with Week 1 on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. This opening night is stacked with hungry prospects aiming to punch their ticket to the UFC roster.
In the headliner, France’s Ilian Bouafia collides with Brazilian knockout artist Neemias Santana in a three-round middleweight clash (185 lbs / 83.9 kg). Both fighters are coming in with highlight-reel finishes on their résumés, and a UFC contract could be on the line.
The co-main sees featherweight action as slick grappler Radley Da Silva battles Australia’s own George Mangos, while welterweights Jimmy Drago and Ty Miller look to make a statement in a high-paced showdown.
Middleweight action continues with Christopher Ewert facing undefeated Yuri Panferov in a fight that could steal the spotlight. Also on the card, Bahrain’s powerhouse Murtaza Talha meets Russian prospect Baysangur Susurkaev in a stylistic clash between grappling and striking specialists.
Fans in the U.S. can watch live on UFC Fight Pass starting at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST, with UK viewers tuning in from midnight BST on Wednesday. The main event between Bouafia and Santana is expected to walk just after 9:10 PM EST (6:10 PM PST).
Full Dana White’s Contender Series 2025: Week 1 Fight Card
- Main Event – Middleweight: Ilian Bouafia vs Neemias Santana
- Featherweight: Radley Da Silva vs George Mangos
- Welterweight: Jimmy Drago vs Ty Miller
- Middleweight: Christopher Ewert vs Yuri Panferov
- Middleweight: Murtaza Talha vs Baysangur Susurkaev
