Dana White’s Contender Series has become a key platform for fighters on the regional scene. Since its conception, the UFC Fight Pass-turned-ESPN+ summer original removed some of the guesswork for up-and-comers trying to make it big.
With UFC president Dana White and matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby cage-side, the stakes are high. Have an impressive, exciting win on the show, you’re in.
Rumored for a late-June 2020 start date, the fourth season of DWCS isn’t that far off almost. The lineups haven’t been announced yet, but advanced planning is underway. While there are hundreds of fighters qualified to compete on the show, we’ll narrow each divisional pool to 10 fighters who you should see compete on the show this summer.
Up next, the light heavyweights.
Ibo Aslan*
Record: 8-0
Age: 23
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Austria
A main training partner of light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic, Ibo Aslan is the next beastly light heavyweight to come out of Austria. Looking at Aslan’s physique, it’s no surprise his strength and power are above average. He fits the part. A ground-and-pound specialist, Aslan has finished the majority of his opponents inside the distance. Competing for top Austrian regional promotions Vendetta and Austrian FC, Aslan has taken out the who’s who of fighters in his home country – and he’ll look to continue that success on the summer series.
* = Aslan’s participation in DWCS season 4 has already been confirmed
Dustin Jacoby*
Record: 11-5
Age: 31
Height: 6’4″
Birthplace: Fort Morgan, Colo.
Fans who only follow mainstream promotions may recognize Dustin Jacoby. A pro MMA fighter since 2010, Jacoby has competed in the UFC (twice), WSOF (once), Titan FC (once), and Bellator (twice). Jacoby has also competed 11 times in GLORY kickboxing. Despite some struggles in his kickboxing career early on, Jacoby turned a corner in 2015. He won his last five GLORY fights – all of which he finished inside the distance. The Factory X member will test the waters at 205 pounds and propel himself to the ranks of the UFC.
* = Jacoby’s participation in DWCS season 4 has already been confirmed
More fighters on the next page:
Jailton Junior
Record: 11-2
Age: 28
Height: 6’4″
Birthplace: Brazil
Nicknamed “Malhadinho,” Brazil’s Jailton Junior has quietly progressed through the regional ranks in his native country. Although he started off his pro career at 5-2, Junior stormed back to win his most recent six outings. Having competed for a couple of notable promotions like Future FC and Shooto Brasil, Junior has faced racked up the finishes en route to his 11-2 record. While he’s generally well-rounded, Junior does his best work from the ground. He’ll utilize his striking to suck his opponent in – and then muscle the fight to the ground when he gets the opportunity. In July 2019, Junior added the first UFC veteran to his resume when he submitted Ednaldo Oliveira by second-round submission. If Brazil needs a light heavyweight representative on this season, Junior is the guy.
William Knight*
Record: 7-1
Age: 31
Height: 5’10”
Birthplace: Connecticut
William Knight burst into the national spotlight with a big win over fellow undefeated light heavyweight Herdem Alacabek on DWCS in August. While the victory wasn’t enough to earn him a promotional contract, it impressed UFC president Dana White enough to award him the lone development deal of the season. Since last season, Knight has gone 2-1. In his most recent fight at CES 60, Knight finished Rocky Edwards by third-round TKO. He’s 31 years old, but Knight is still quite young in fight years – both in the damage and experience departments. His rate of improvement is well above average, so expect a better version of Knight than the one we saw last year.
* = Knight’s participation in DWCS season 4 has already been confirmed
More fighters on the next page:
Tafon Nchukwi
Record: 3-0
Age: 25
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace: Bamenda, Cameroon
In the history of publicized UFC development deals, Tafon Nchukwi is the only fighter to defeat a developmental signee. At CFFC 80, Nchukwi defeated Knight in the first round. Although Knight and company weren’t happy with the stoppage, Nchukwi showed – at minimum – he belongs at the top of the United States regional scene. Through six career MMA fights (pro and amateur), Nchukwi has a 100 percent finishing rate by TKO. While he’s largely competed as an undersized heavyweight (around 220 pounds), Nchukwi will work to move down to 205 pounds, according to his team. The UFC could always use fresh faces at light heavyweight – and DWCS is the perfect medium to vet through.
Nathan Reddy
Record: 9-1
Age: 35
Height: n/a
Birthplace: Australia
He’s 35 years old, but age is just a number for Nathan Reddy. A professional for four years, Reddy has terrorized the Australian regional scene defeating everyone he’s faced not named Jimmy Crute. Due to his dominance and the UFC’s surprising reluctance to sign him, Reddy has struggled to stay active. Simply put: there aren’t many fighters in his area jumping at the opportunity to fight him. The Urban Fight Night light heavyweight champion, Reddy has shown versatility in his attack. He can go the distance, or end it quick. Reddy is used to main event spotlights and has had title fights. He’s seasoned. Don’t be surprised if to see Reddy grace your ESPN+ streams this summer.
Nick Roehrick
Record: 8-1
Age: 32
Height: 6’3″
Birthplace: Texas
Nick Roehrick had a shot at the UFC, but it can be argued he didn’t get his fair shake. In 2017, Roehrick stepped up on days’ notice to fight future top contender Jared Cannonier at the TUF 25 Finale. While the bout was one-sided in Cannonier’s favor, Roehrick displayed a ridiculous chin and outstanding heart. Shortly thereafter, Roehrick failed a USADA test and was suspended one year. When his suspension was up, the UFC released him. In May 2019, Roehrick returned to pick up a first-round TKO. Given the circumstances of his first UFC outing, Roehrick could look for redemption this summer. The storylines are there – which makes him a perfect candidate for DWCS.
More fighters on the next page:
Emillio Trevino
Record: 5-0
Age: 25
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Idaho
A veteran of Bellator, LFA, and Front Street Fights, Emillio Trevino has built up a nice resume. Flying largely under the radar, “The Jet” has picked up two TKOs, two decisions, and a submission in five victorious outings. In his most recent fight at LFA 66 in May 2019, Trevino defeated Joe Rodriguez by unanimous decision. Prior to that, Trevino left Carl Dieckmann sitting on the stool, winning by retirement after Round 1. It’s been an accelerated climb up the ranks for Trevino, who’s opponents have a combined record of 24-18. DWCS would serve its fundamental purpose as a good gauge to whether or not Trevino is ready for the next step.
Ike Villanueva
Record: 16-9
Age: 35
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Texas
Ike Villanueva has been around the block. A professional since 2008, there were times where it seemed like Villanueva may remain a regional journeyman. However, Villanueva has only suffered one loss since his 2016 defeat to Trevin Giles. Since then, Villanueva has gone 5-1 with wins over UFC veterans Roger Narvaez and Rashad Coulter. Currently the Fury FC light heavyweight champion, Villanueva has finished four straight fights by first-round knockout. His fighting style is certainly viewer-friendly. Add that to the fact UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard is deeply embedded in the Texas regional scene and Villanueva’s DWCS odds increases even higher.
Other light heavyweights to watch out for: Myron Dennis, Ty Flores, Nick Roehrick, Herdem Alacabek, Graham Park, Bogdan Ruskov, Anton Turkalj, Mario Zgela, Cezary Kesik, Laurynas Urbonavicius, Michal Bobrowski, Stephan Puetz, Arunas Andriuskevicus, Gregory Millard and more
