Dana White’s Contender Series will return at the end the month. It will feature a matchup between middleweight up-and-comers at top of the bill.
The popular show that highlights some of the top prospects around the world will be back July 26 at APEX Las Vegas. It will also stream live on ESPN+. The 10 fighters on the card will compete in front of UFC President Dana White, and matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard for the chance to earn a contract with the UFC.
In the main event, LFA middleweight champion Ozzy Diaz (7-1) — an owner stoppage wins in his past five appearances — will face Joseph Pyfer (8-2), who gets his second opportunity to compete on the show. Pyfer competed on DWCS in August 2020 where he suffered an arm injury in his fight with Dustin Stoltzfus.
In addition, undefeated Farid Basharat — the brother of UFC bantamweight Javid Basharat — will face Willian Souza (11-1) in a featherweight bout.
Dennis Buzukja (7-2), a longtime teammate of current UFC champion Aljamain Sterling, will get his second chance at a contract as he faces Kaleio Romero (6-1) in a 145-pound contest.
Check out the full lineup for the season premiere of DWCS below:
Dana White’s Contender Series, Week 1 (ESPN+ at 8:00 p.m. ET)
Ozzy Diaz vs. Joseph Pyfer
Farid Basharat vs. Willian Souza
Anton Turkalj vs. Acacio Dos Santos
Dennis Buzukja vs. Kaleio Romero
Alessandro Costa vs. Juan Andres Luna
