LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene reporting live from Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 75 event, which begins at 8 p.m. ET.
Dana White’s Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions.
The ninth week of the eighth season will see 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at light heavyweight, former kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov (2-1), who holds a September 2021 victory over UFC champion Alex Pereira under the GLORY banner, will take on Islem Masraf (3-0).
The UFC Apex hosts the card, which streams live on ESPN+.
DWCS 75 round-by-round updates
Lucas Camacho vs. Mario Pinto
Round 1 –
Result:
Recap:
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Camacho (6-0), Pinto (8-0)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
DWCS 75 full results
- Islem Masraf vs. Artem Vakhitov
- Chasen Blair vs. Kody Steele
- Lucas Camacho vs. Mario Pinto
- Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
- Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Vanilto Antunes vs. Islam Dulatov
Round 1 – Antunes opens up with a powerful leg kick. Dulatov responds with a fast combination. They reset, and Dulatov darts forward, unloading punches. He’s just throwing bombs at Antunes right now! Not everything is landing, but the punches keep coming! Antunes finally gets a hold of him to stop the storm. Dulatov exits the clinch, and steps right back in with another furious combination. Antunes attempts to answer, but Dulatov charges forward with another combo. Antunes starts to fire back with big strikes. Dulatov steps out of danger, but steps back in with a huge right elbow! Antunes folds to the canvas! He’s out cold!
Result: Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
Recap:
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Antunes (16-7), Dulatov (11-1)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Blake Grice
Anthony Drilich vs. Sean Gauci
Round 1 – Gauci comes out to control the center of the cage, keeping his hands high and tight. Drilich circles on the outside and offers a few punches. Gauci shoots in but is easily denied. Drilich fires off a fast combo as Gauci closes in. Drilich continues to circle and work behind a right jab. Another takedown attempt from Gauci is shucked off. More quick punches from Drilich find the mark as Gauci stalks forward. Gauci gets in on a single leg, but is pushed away. Drilich keeps the striking volume high. One minute left. Gauci finally lands meaningful offense with a pair of solid right hands. He connects again in the final exchange.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Drilich.
Round 2 – Drilich fires in a hard kick to the body, followed by quick punches as he circles on the outside. Gauci sits on a right hand, finding the target upstairs. More punches offered from Drilich. Gauci shoots in, completing a takedown, but Drilich is right back up to his feet. Drilich gets back to working behind his right jab as his circles. Gauci lands a solid right elbow. Drilich shoots in a moment later, but is easily stuffed. Gauci gets a double leg, but can’t keep the fight on the mat. He lands a nice strike on the exit. Drilich lands a nice inside kick to punches combo. Gauci lands a trio of hard punches before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gauci.
Round 3 – Drilich comes out firing quick strikes from the outside. Gauci charges in with strong punches. A knee strike from Drilich appears to land low, but Gauci waves the ref away. Gauci stays on the heavy forward pressure, landing solid punches before shooting for a takedown. It’s successful, but Drilich gets up quickly. Gauci lands a hard right hook. The punching exchanges continue at a high clip, with Drilich offering more volume, but Gauci more power. Another takedown threat from Gauci goes nowhere, but he lands an elbow on the exit. Drilich keeps touching with punches. Gauci gets a takedown, this time keeping the fight on the ground in guard. Big ground and pound from the top for Gauci until the final horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gauci, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Drilich (8-2), Gauci (10-1)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Chasen Blair vs. Kody Steele
Round 1 –
Result:
Recap:
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Blair (6-0), Pinto (8-0)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
Islem Masraf vs. Artem Vakhitov
Round 1 –
Result:
Recap:
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Masraf (3-0), Vakhitov (2-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee:
DWCS 75 faceoffs
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.
