Three more names were added to the UFC roster after the latest night of action in Dana White’s Contender Series.
Headlining the 60th edition of the UFC president’s talent-finding show, Brazilian welterweight Carlos Prates extended his win streak to seven with a one-shot knockout of the previously undefeated Mitch Ramirez to secure the last contract offer on a night where you had to get the job done inside the distance to get a UFC contract.
The night kicked off with a blistering display from Belgian lightweight Boliji Oki, who showcased his punch power in a high-octane performance against Dylan Salvador.
France’s Salvador entered the cage on a two-fight, two-finish streak, but he ended up on the wrong end of a finish as Oki blasted his way to a TKO finish in two minutes, 46 seconds to earn a slam-dunk UFC contract.
That performance was followed by a dominant display by Thomas Petersen, who secured a second-round keylock submission of Chandler Cole to earn himself a UFC deal.
The two other winners on the night, Timothy Cuamba and Marco Tulio, didn’t do enough in their respective decision wins to convince White to award them UFC deals, as the UFC president explained his decisions.
“This wasn’t rocket science tonight,” said White after the fights as he awarded deals to Prates, Petersen and Oki.
“When you come in here on a Tuesday night, you have to make me say, ‘I have to have this guy or girl in the UFC.’
“You can be as talented as they come. This is your one shot, your one night. This sheet is all I know about you. I don’t read any of this before I walk in. When the fights happen, I see it. You show me tonight who you are.
“None of this (on the sheet) means s**t to me. This means nothing to me. It’s great. You’re obviously here, you’ve got great records, you’ve done great things. Show me tonight. On Tuesdays, it’s your night to show me what you are and what you’ve got. Make me say yes.”
Dana White’s Contender Series 60: Official results
- Carlos Prates def. Mitch Ramirez via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 1:14
- Marco Tulio def. Yousri Belgaroui via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Timothy Cuamba def. Mateo Vogel via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Thomas Petersen def. Chandler Cole via submission (keylock) – Round 2, 1:08
- Bolaji Oki def. Dylan Salvador via TKO (punches and knees) – Round 1, 2:46