Dana White's Contender Series
Contender SeriesEvents, champions and history
The UFC's tryout show, every Tuesday night in Las Vegas. The most impressive winners leave with a UFC contract handed out by Dana White.
- Since 2017
- Meta Apex, Las Vegas
- Paramount+
- Season 10
10seasons since 2017
300+UFC contracts over the first nine seasons
4alumni who became UFC champions
10weeks in Season 10
From the Contender Series to UFC titles and rankings
Sean O'Malley
UFC · 2017
Former UFC bantamweight champion
Jamahal Hill
UFC · 2019
Former UFC light heavyweight champion
Jack Della Maddalena
UFC · 2020
Former UFC welterweight champion
Carlos Ulberg
UFC · 2020
Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion
Brendan Allen
UFC · 2019
Joe Pyfer
UFC · 2022
Caio Borralho
UFC · 2022
Kevin Holland
UFC · 2018
The story of Contender Series
The UFC launched Dana White's Contender Series in 2017. The idea is simple: prospects from regional promotions fight in front of Dana White and the UFC matchmakers. Winning is not enough. Fighters have to impress, and only those judged ready get a contract on the night.
The show produced more than 300 contracts over its first nine seasons and a Brazilian spin-off. Four alumni went on to win UFC titles: Sean O'Malley, Jamahal Hill, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Ulberg. Brendan Allen, Joe Pyfer, Caio Borralho and Kevin Holland also came through the show.
Season 10 is the first on Paramount+, after the UFC moved to Paramount in 2026. It runs ten Tuesday nights, from August 11 to October 13, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Week 8 on September 29 produced four contracts: George Staines, Adama Diop, Ian Escuza and LFA strawweight champion Aieza Bertolso.
Most fighters come from U.S. regional promotions, starting with LFA, with a growing share from abroad. Adama Diop became the first Senegalese fighter signed by the UFC through the show.
Standout facts
2017
first season of the show.
300+
UFC contracts awarded over the first nine seasons.
4
alumni who became UFC champions: O'Malley, Hill, Della Maddalena, Ulberg.
1st
Senegalese fighter signed by the UFC: Adama Diop, Season 10, Week 8.
Rules and format
- About five fights per night, three five-minute rounds.
- Unified Rules of MMA, overseen by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
- Contracts handed out by Dana White at the end of the night, with no minimum.
Broadcast and partners
Paramount+ in the U.S. for Season 10, on Tuesday nights. Sportsnet in Canada.
Official links
FAQ
What is Dana White's Contender Series?
A UFC show launched in 2017 where prospects from regional promotions fight for a UFC contract, handed out by Dana White on the night.
Where can I watch the Contender Series?
On Paramount+ in the U.S. since Season 10, on Tuesday nights. Season 10 ends on October 13, 2026.
Which UFC champions came from the Contender Series?
Sean O'Malley, Jamahal Hill, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Ulberg.
Page updated on October 1, 2026. Sources: ufc.com, cagesidepress.com, schedule.fightmag.com.
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