Four more fresh faces were added to the UFC books last night as week 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series delivered some destructive stoppages and well worked decisions.
Many of the victors had to dig deep in order to get their hand raised and for the large part, were rewarded with UFC contracts. With yet another four athletes being welcomed to the UFC, this season’s total currently stands at 24 new additions to the UFC roster.
In the battle of Contender Series alumni, it was Ahmad Hassanzada who had his hand raised against Dylan Mantello with a third round submission. After a solid start from Hassanzada, the 28-year-old appeared to fade as he entered the second round, letting Mantello back into the contest. After a short grappling exchange in the third, the ‘Lion Of The Ring’ sunk in a tight rear naked choke and put Mantello to sleep. White admitted he was not fully convinced but matchmaker Sean Shelby was impressed with what he saw and that was enough for the UFC CEO to take a chance on Hassanzada.
As referred to in the Fighters Only preview of the card, Ateba Gautier is no stranger to handing unbeaten prospects their first professional loss and done so once again as he stopped Yura Naito in the second round of their Middleweight bout. After being outworked in the grappling department over the first five minutes, 22-year-old Gautier’s power was on full display as he came out for the second round. After a big back hand, which was followed immediately with a left hook, sent Naito spiralling to the canvas, Gautier worked to an advantageous position and reigned down heavy strikes forcing the stoppage.
In what was a razor close contest, Benjamin Bennett picked up a split decision win over Joey Hart. After starting the contest well in the opening stanza, Bennett found himself in a close second round, before dropping the third when opting to play into Hart’s game and deciding to stand and trade. White felt the decision should have gone the other way and didn’t see enough to offer the Welterweight a contract.
Talisson Teixeira extended his insane run of first round first round finishes to seven as he stopped Arthur Lopes in devastating fashion. Less than two minutes into the contest and the Brazilian dropped a monster right hand on the jaw of his fellow countryman and instantly brought an end to the bout. White was clearly impressed by the unbeaten Heavyweight and there was no question in his mind as he welcomed Teixeira to the UFC.
The main event sealed the show off in style, with Elijah Smith defeated Aaron Tau. Taking the bout on short notice, the 22-year-old started strong, sticking behind the jab before utilizing his wrestling to nullify anything coming back from Tau. The City Kickboxing Bantamweight’s relentless pressure looked like it could have gotten the better of Smith but the American remained composed and took the second round, albeit a lot closer. Tau took the third round but it was too late and the final bell sounded, with both men visibly exhausted.
