Dana White’s Contender Series is more than just a reality show for the UFC. With former champions and contenders coming from it, DWCS has proven to be a successful venture that showcases the future of MMA.
This year, DWCS is back for its ninth season.
Each week, fighters compete against one another, and if they impress, White will offer them a UFC contract. The first episode of the latest season was on August 12, with the last episode scheduled to air on October 14.
Standouts from the series include Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, Jack Della Maddalena, Joe Pyfer, Tracy Cortez, Maycee Barber, and Bo Nickal.
Baysangur Susurkaev has already impressed this season, earning a contract and winning his UFC debut four days later at UFC 319.
Here’s how you can watch Dana White’s Contender Series, including streaming options and TV schedule.
How to watch Dana White’s Contender Series 2025
Dana White’s Contender Series will be available on ESPN+. You can subscribe to ESPN+ for $11.99 on a monthly subscription and $119.99 on an annual subscription.
Dana White’s Contender Series 2025 full schedule and episode guide
| Date | Episode | Time (ET) | Location | How to watch |
| August 12 | 1 | 7 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| August 19 | 2 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| August 26 | 3 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| September 2 | 4 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| September 9 | 5 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| September 16 | 6 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| September 23 | 7 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| September 30 | 8 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| October 7 | 9 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
| October 14 | 10 | 8 p.m. | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, USA | ESPN+ |
Dana White’s Contender Series format, rules
Each week will include five fights of ten prospects or veterans looking to earn a UFC roster spot. White and matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby are part of the panel that observes the fights.
Unlike The Ultimate Fighter or other programs, DWCS is not a knockout-like tournament. At the end of each week, White gives out contracts to the most deserving fighters, or who impressed the most.
Securing a win does not guarantee a contract. On rare occasions, the loser of a fight could be awarded a contract.
Dana White’s Contender Series 2025 fight schedule, roster
*Cards subject to change
DWCS, August 12
- Ilian Bouafia def. Neemias Santana via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
- *Ty Miller def. Jimmy Drago via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- *Baysangur Susurkaev def. Murtaza Talha via TKO (3:04 into round one)
- Radley Da Silva def. George Mangos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Yuri Panferov def. Christopher Ewert via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
*Baysangur Susurkaev and Ty Miller all earned contracts
DWCS, August 19
- Manuel Esposito vs. Jose Delano; Featherweights
- Brandon Holmes vs. Cam Rowston; Middleweights
- Kaushik Saikumar vs. Louis Lee Scott; Bantamweights
- Josh Hokit vs. Guilherme Uriel; Heavyweights
- Tommy Cuozzi vs. Ramiro Jimenez; Featherweights
DWCS, August 26
- Vitor Costa vs. Ryan Gandra; Light Heavyweights
- Damon Wilson vs. Marcio Barbosa; Featherweights
- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Alik Lorenz; Light Heavyweights
- Cristian Perez vs. Manoel Sousa; Lightweights
- Elisha Ellison vs. Brando Pericic; Heavyweights
DWCS, September 2
- Jack Congdon vs. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani; Welterweights
- Theo Haig vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk; Middleweights
- Mandel Nallo vs. Samuel Silva; Lightweights
- An Tuan Ho vs. Frank Silva; Flyweights
- Tommy McMillen vs. David Mgoyan; Featherweights
DWCS, September 9
- Guilherme Pat vs. Anthony Guarascio; Heavyweights
- Cam Teague vs. Lerryan Douglas; Featherweights
- Felipe Franco vs. Ivan Gnizditskiy; Light Heavyweights
- Chasen Blair vs. Samuel Sanches; Lightweights
- Shanelle Dyer vs. Carol Foro; Flyweights
DWCS, September 16
DWCS, September 23
DWCS, September 30
DWCS, October 7
DWCS, October 14
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