The featured bout of the evening saw lightweight Magomed Zaynukov defeat Lucas Caldas over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision and extend his unbeaten record to 8-0.
Russia’s Zaynukov won all three rounds on all three scorecards as he set a new Contender Series record for the most significant strikes landed in a lightweight fight.
He might not have been able to find a finish, but Zaynukov’s dominance was more than enough to earn a shutout win on the scorecards, and a UFC contract from White.
The co-headliner saw bantamweights Adrian Luna Martinetti and Mark Vologdin produce one of the great Contender Series matchups as the pair battled all the way to the scorecards in a bout that had Dana White on his feet in the final seconds.
Both men left it all in the Octagon as they went hell for leather in search of victory. But as impressive as their effort was, it was matched by their durability and spirit as they both refused to back down.
It resulted in a thrilling 15-minute encounter that ended with Martinelli taking the unanimous decision victory, but White was so impressed with both men that he visited with Laura Sanko immediately after the fight to announce that he was giving both men UFC contracts, with each man also getting a $25,000 bonus.
Flyweights who can finish don’t grow on trees, so when Imanol Rodriguez polished off Roque Conceicao via TKO in less than half a round, UFC boss White sat up, took notice, and gave him a UFC contract.
Rodriguez connected big with a straight right hand that dropped his man, and The Ultimate Fighter veteran put the finishing touches on a first-round finish with ground strikes to force the finish at the 2:12 mark.
Musclebound middleweight Luis Felipe Dias earned his UFC deal after breaking down Donavon Hedrick and finishing him with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The Brazilian’s win was made more remarkable considering he hadn’t fought since the summer of 2023. Despite that lengthy layoff, Dias shone when it mattered to claim the finish and earn his UFC chance.
The opening bout of the night, between Luke Fernandes and Rafael Pergentino, may have looked even at first glance, with two 5-0 prospects Luke Fernandez and Rafael Pergentino going head to head, but in reality it was a huge mismatch, as the CFFC light heavyweight champion demolished the prospect from the Brazilian regional scene in just 15 seconds to earn himself a UFC contract.
Dana White’s Contender Series: Official results
- Magomed Zaynukov def. Lucas Caldas via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
- Adrian Luna Martinetti def. Mark Vologdin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Imanol Rodriguez def. Roque Conceicao via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:12
- Luis Felipe Dias def. Donavon Hedrick via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:37
- Luke Fernandez def. Rafael Pergentino via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:15
