Dana White’s Contender Series Season Nine: Prospects to Watch
Dana White’s Contender Series, also known as DWCS, has become one of the most exciting pipelines for future UFC Champions and breakout stars in MMA. Over the years, this platform has launched the careers of fighters who have gone on to dominate divisions and capture the sport’s biggest titles. With a new batch of fights already confirmed for the upcoming season, it’s the perfect time to spotlight some of the standout talents you need to keep an eye on. These fighters could be the next generation of household names in the sport.
Jon Kunneman – Middleweight, 10-0, USA
Jon Kunneman is a relentless Middleweight force who has finished all ten of his fights inside the distance, nine of them in the first round alone. At just 25 years old, he boasts a perfect 10-0 record, including seven submission wins and three knockouts. His upcoming opponent, Cam Rowston, who is 11-3, has shown a tendency to fold under pressure, which plays perfectly into Kunneman’s aggressive style. Expect Kunneman to bring nonstop pressure and hunt for an early finish when they face off, making this one of the most exciting fights on the next DWCS season.
George Mangos – Featherweight, 7-0, Australia
George Mangos is one of the most dangerous young prospects coming out of Australia. Just 21 years old, he holds a perfect 7-0 record with five submission wins and two knockouts. Mangos thrives on dragging opponents to the ground, where he overwhelms them with ground-and-pound before securing the finish. While grappling is his bread and butter, his last two wins came by knockout — a clear sign that his striking is catching up fast. With grit, aggression, and a killer instinct, Mangos looks primed to deliver another vicious finish and extend his undefeated run on the Contender Series.
An Tuan Ho – Flyweight, 7-1, Vietnam
An Tuan Ho returns to the Contender Series with something to prove. The 24-year-old Flyweight from Vietnam holds a strong 7-1 record, competing under the highly respected LFA banner. His lone loss came in brutal fashion against Lone’er Kavanagh — a rising star on a tear in the UFC, which makes that setback look less damaging in hindsight. Ho has four knockouts, one submission, and two decision wins, showing he can finish fights or take them into deep waters. His next test is an undefeated knockout artist in Frank Silva, who holds a 7-0-1 record and has six finishes of his own. If Ho’s chin holds up and he can control the pace, his grit and volume may carry him to a bounce-back victory and a shot at redemption.
Ramiro Jimenez – Featherweight, 10-0, USA
Ramiro Jimenez is a dominant Featherweight prospect who has proven he can win in any scenario. At 26 years old, Jimenez holds a perfect 10-0 record with five knockouts, three submissions, and two decision victories. His ability to finish fights, combined with impressive cardio, means he’s comfortable whether the bout ends early or goes the distance. Jimenez’s next challenge is 8-0 Tommy Cuozzi, who has faced questionable competition and hasn’t shown the same level of grit. Expect Jimenez to impose his will and secure a hard-fought win, pushing his record to 11-0.
