Brazilians sign UFC contract after impressing Dana with violent performances on Contender Series

Dana White signed five contracts on the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

PUBLICITY:

It was an (almost) perfect night at the Contender Series on Tuesday (09). The event, which is being billed as 'the world's toughest job interview,' featured four Brazilians, who performed one after the other. With blistering performances, Carol Foro, Samuel Sanches, and Lerryan Douglas impressed Dana White and secured their coveted contract with the organization. Felipe Franco, the second-to-last Brazilian to fight, was defeated by submission in the final round and was not hired.

Carol Foro, straw prospect

Carol Foro wins the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

With applause and even a congratulations from Dana White in the octagon, Carol delivered a powerful performance. Former champion of Jungle Fight and competing in the strawweight division (up to 52,1 kg), the fighter triumphed by unanimous decision in a fight against Shanelle Dyer and in the end, due to the fact that both excited the audience, the president ended up signing with the English fighter who was defeated.

At 28 years old, the fighter from Pará achieved her ninth victory in her professional career and became the first athlete to defeat an opponent.

Samuel Sanches, 'prodigy of the Fighting Shed'

Samuel Sanches wins the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

At just 22 years old, Samuel stepped into the octagon as a slight underdog for the fight. Known for his aggressiveness and ability to knock out or submit opponents in the first round, the Bahia native didn't break with tradition. Aware of the power he wielded, Sanches turned to boxing, and after frustrating Chasen Blair's grappling, the Bahia native scored a violent knockout against the American, winning just two minutes into the fight.

With great excitement, the athlete dedicated his triumph to his family, friends and gym and ended up asking for the opportunity to fight in Abu Dhabi or Qatar, events scheduled to take place in October and November, respectively.

Lerryan Douglas, born knockout artist

Lerryan Douglas wins the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Finally, Lerryan showed up determined to get the job done quickly to leave no doubt that he truly deserves to be a member of the UFC. A former LFA champion, the fighter scored his fifth consecutive knockout when he knocked out Cam Teague with a swift and powerful sequence of fists.

Trained by Cub swanson, the Paraná native who now trains in California, excited many fans with his performance and signed a contract to join the category reigned by Alexander Volkanovsky.

Five contracts on the Contender Series

Freddy Vidal, who submitted Felipe Franco, ended up not signing a contract this time and was given another chance to perform in the season finale, scheduled for October. The fighter didn't impress Dana with his performance.

Meanwhile, Steven Asplund, the event's star, managed to break the bank and knock out Anthony Guarascio after just 16 seconds. A heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), the American achieved his sixth career victory.