The final episode of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 delivered everything the show promises knockouts, drama, and new UFC talent. Five fighters Wes Schultz, Michael Oliveira, Marwan Rahiki, Juan Diaz, and Levi Rodrigues earned UFC contracts after a highlight-reel-packed night that ended the season in spectacular fashion at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Levi Rodrigues flattens Freddy Vidal
In the featured bout, Levi Rodrigues (6-0) made his case for a roster spot with a devastating first-round TKO over Freddy Vidal (4-1). Vidal, competing for a second chance after missing weight in his first Contender Series win. Started strong with early wrestling pressure. But Rodrigues stayed composed, stuffed the takedowns, and landed a crushing knee that dropped Vidal, finishing the job with ground strikes at 3:20 of Round 1.
Result: Levi Rodrigues def. Freddy Vidal via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:20
Division: Light Heavyweight
Juan Diaz delivers the season’s wildest knockout
Juan Diaz (14-1-1) might have scored not only a UFC deal but also a Knockout of the Year contender. Facing Won Il Kwon (14-5) in a fast-paced bantamweight duel. Diaz kept up a frenetic pace through Round 1 before finding his moment late in the second. Kwon threw a left hook — Diaz slipped, spun, and landed a perfect spinning back elbow that knocked Kwon cold at 4:58 of Round 2.
Result: Juan Diaz def. Won Il Kwon via KO (spinning back elbow) – Round 2, 4:58
Division: Bantamweight
It was the first spinning back elbow finish in Contender Series history, an instant classic that had Dana White on his feet.
Marwan Rahiki wins a war for the ages
If Diaz’s knockout was the highlight, Marwan Rahiki’s (7-0) comeback finish over Ananias Mulumba (9-3) might have been the season’s best fight. Both men traded knockdowns and momentum shifts before Rahiki turned the tide with a head kick, slicing elbows, and a brutal right uppercut that ended the fight at 2:13 of Round 2.
Result: Marwan Rahiki def. Ananias Mulumba via KO (punch) – Round 2, 2:13
Division: Featherweight
“That’s one of the best fights I’ve ever seen on this show,” White said post-fight. “Rahiki’s in.”
Michael Oliveira batters Victor Valenzuela
Michael Oliveira (9-0) showcased polished striking and relentless pressure in his second-round TKO of Victor Valenzuela (12-4). After a competitive first frame, Oliveira began to pour on damage in the second. Dropping Valenzuela multiple times before forcing the stoppage with a brutal flurry at 3:56 of Round 2.
Result: Michael Oliveira def. Victor Valenzuela via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:56
Division: Welterweight
Wes Schultz makes history with rare submission
Opening the show, Wes Schultz secured one of the rarest finishes in MMA. The Suloev stretch submission to tap Mario Mingaj inside the first round. Schultz, competing for redemption after a loss on last season’s Contender Series, earned an immediate UFC deal for the slick grappling display that tied the all-time record for most finishes in a single DWCS season.
Result: Wes Schultz def. Mario Mingaj via submission (Suloev stretch) – Round 1
Dana White’s verdict
After ten weeks and dozens of prospects. White wrapped the season by awarding five contracts to fighters who not only won, but stole the show.
“This was one of the wildest finales we’ve ever had,” White said. “Every one of these guys tonight showed they’re ready for the UFC.”
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
