6 Insane DWCS Season 9 Fights — Best of Dana White’s Contender Series 2025
Why these Dana White’s Contender Series fights mattered
If you want a fast, clean hit of what made Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series unmissable, this reel is it. DWCS is the UFC’s pressure cooker—win big under the lights and you’re one step from the UFC. Season 9 delivered finishes, momentum swings, and prospects who didn’t blink when a contract was on the line. Below, we spotlight the six scraps featured in the video and why each one moved the needle for the fighters—and for the UFC pipeline.Fight-by-fight spotlight
Rahiki vs Mulumba
Marwan Rahiki thrives in chaos, while Mulumba Ntambwe refuses to back up. Their clash, Rahiki vs Mulumba, flips momentum inside single exchanges—layered striking, rugged clinch work, and a finish that feels earned.
Chaves vs Montenegro
Jeisla Chaves and Sofia Montenegro delivered clean shot selection and composure at pace. Rewatch Chaves vs Montenegro for textbook entries, counters, and UFC-ready poise under pressure.
Nallo vs Silva
Power meets timing as Mandel Nallo tests durable Samuel Silva. In Nallo vs Silva, feints and range shifts create tiny openings that decide rounds—beats in rhythm that crack defenses.
Martinetti vs Vologdin
Relentless pressure from Adrián Luna Martinetti meets the grit of Mark Vologdin. Martinetti vs Vologdin is cumulative damage: body work, pace, and corner-to-corner stress that convinces matchmakers.
Susurkaev vs Talha
Wrestling threats shaped by striking triggers. Baysangur Susurkaev and Murtaza Talha show how first touch forces shots and frames turn defense into offense in Susurkaev vs Talha.
Baraniewski vs Aly
Finishing instinct on a dime. Iwo Baraniewski capitalizes the moment Mahamed Aly slips. Baraniewski vs Aly is pure DWCS urgency—when the door opens, kick it off the hinges.
What this reel tells us about UFC-level readiness
Season 9 reinforced a few truths about the jump from DWCS to the UFC:- Finishing equity matters. Contenders who can flip a round with one sequence get contracts. See the difference-making shots in Nallo vs Silva and the clinical urgency in Baraniewski vs Aly.
- Defense buys you time. Smart frames, head position, and feet that reset center kept Chaves and Montenegro alive in bad spots during their duel.
- Pace breaks wills. The attrition in Martinetti vs Vologdin is exactly the kind of grind that translates on short-notice UFC bookings.
Style notes: how these prospects can win on the big stage
- Marwan Rahiki: Explosive combinations off the break are his signature. If he layers level changes into that pressure, he’ll draw desperate shots—prime counter time. Start your tape at Rahiki vs Mulumba.
- Mulumba Ntambwe: Sneaky counters and a knack for finding elbows in tight spaces. He’ll need cleaner exits against long strikers at UFC level—drills off the fence are key.
- Jeisla Chaves: Crisp pocket work and disciplined defense. A few more proactive clinch entries would diversify her finishing routes beyond hands and kicks. Rewatch Chaves vs Montenegro.
- Mandel Nallo: Elite timing. Against wrestlers, early teeps and inside-low kicks from orthodox will check entries before they become shots, as seen in Nallo vs Silva.
- Baysangur Susurkaev: Chain wrestling with enough pop to win stand-up bursts. Get to the second attempt faster—don’t wait to feel the hips. Study Susurkaev vs Talha.
- Iwo Baraniewski: Killer instinct when the opponent’s hurt. Add feints before blitzes to raise the finish rate versus counter-punchers. See Baraniewski vs Aly.
