With the first week of action now in the books, a new batch of fighters will be looking to earn their spot on the UFC roster in episode two of Dana White’s Contender Series.
Baysangur Susurkaev and Ty Miller both walked away with contracts after their wins on the opening night, and attention is already turning to who might follow them when episode two airs on 19 August.
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Susurkaev has already lined up his debut at UFC 319, with other prospects hoping they can get moving just as quickly. But to do that, they’ll need to put on performances that grab Dana White’s attention. The UFC boss is always keeping an eye out for fighters who can make an immediate impact across any weight class.
Here are five names worth watching from the second episode of season nine.
5. Jose Delano
Jose “Ze” Delano is one to watch on this episode of Dana White’s Contender Series. The Brazilian featherweight has already put together an impressive run in his early career, and he’s looking to add to that momentum.
The 28-year-old has been busy since turning pro, stepping into the cage 18 times already. That experience should serve him well as he looks to make the jump to the UFC.
He’s shown he can end fights in a variety of ways, whether it’s a knockout or a submission, and that versatility makes him a threat every time out.
Manuel Exposito is no pushover, but if Delano can control where the fight takes place, he’ll give himself a strong chance of earning a contract.
4. Brandon Holmes
Brandon Holmes may only be five fights into his career, but the American featherweight has the potential to make an impact when he appears on episode two of Dana White’s Contender Series season nine.
Holmes, 28, made his professional debut in December 2023 and has since put together a string of five straight wins, three of those by knockout.
This run was enough to catch Dana White’s attention and earn him a spot on the Contender Series. While still early in his career, Holmes looks capable of getting past Cam Rowston when they meet on Tuesday night.
3. Louis Lee Scott
On the lookout for England’s next big thing, Dana White might just find it in Louis Lee Scott, who’s set to face Kaushik Saikumar in the octagon.
The bantamweight is known for his quick hands and has already built a solid record of knockouts and submissions, even though he’s only 25.
Training out of Leeds with a background in Muay Thai, Scott has put together a skill set that could help him stick around in the UFC. It all starts with how he performs on Dana White’s Contender Series.
2. Ramiro Jimenez
Ramiro Jimenez might not have the size advantage in the Featherweight division, but his record more than makes up for it heading into a pivotal moment in his career.
The Mexican fighter, known as El Cachanilla, has put together ten straight wins without a loss and is currently ranked #61 among North American featherweights outside the UFC.
Standing at five-foot-eight, Jimenez has only been taken past the opening round twice in his career, with just one of those bouts going the full three rounds.
With five knockouts and three submissions already on his resume, he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on this Tuesday.
1. Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit is one of the standout prospects on Dana White’s Contender Series this season, having already drawn plenty of attention ahead of episode two.
The former NFL player spent two years in American football before switching to MMA, and he’s already put together a solid record, including two wins in Bellator.
If he gets past Brazilian Guilherme Uriel, the six-foot-one, 242-pound heavyweight could be looking at a big future in the UFC.
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