It’s that time!
Contender Series keeps rolling on for 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. Week five goes down tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, in front of UFC CEO, Dana White, as well as his cadre of matchmakers.
As has become standard for the program of late, all five fighters earned UFC contracts last week.
In the main event this evening, Diyar Nurgozhay (9-0) becomes the first fighter from Kazakhstan to compete on the show as he takes on Poland’s Bartosz Szewczyk (8-2). Carlos Calderon (6-2) steps up on super short notice to fight Alberto Montes (9-1) in the co-main. The “Featured” bout sees Combate Bantamweight champion and top prospect David Martinez (10-1) take on undefeated Xavier Franklin (5-0). Torrez Finney (9-0) returns for this third chance at a UFC contract, the second time this season, against Abdellah Er-Ramy (7-1). Former Oklahoma State wrestling standout and mega prospect Jacobe Smith (8-0) kicks off the card against Canada’s Christien Savoie (10-1-1).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Bartosz Szewczyk
Carlos Calderon vs. Alberto Montes
David Martinez vs. Xavier Franklin
Torrez Finney vs. Abdellah Er-Ramy
Jacobe Smith vs. Christien Savoie
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
205 lbs.: Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Bartosz Szewczyk
145 lbs.: Carlos Calderon vs. Alberto Montes
135 lbs.: David Martinez vs. Xavier Franklin
185 lbs.: Torrez Finney vs. Abdellah Er-Ramy
170 lbs.: Jacobe Smith vs. Christien Savoie
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.
