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Dana White’s Contender Series Season 1 retrospective: Grading the contract winners 3 years later

By Amy Kaplan

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced and was created using multiple exposure in camera). A general view of the Octagon during Dana White's Contender Series at the UFC Apex on July 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced and was created using multiple exposure in camera). A general view of the Octagon during Dana White's Contender Series at the UFC Apex on July 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 25: Karl Roberson celebrates his knockout victory over Ryan Spann in their light heavyweight bout during Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series at the TUF Gym on July 25, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/DWTNCS)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 25: Karl Roberson celebrates his knockout victory over Ryan Spann in their light heavyweight bout during Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series at the TUF Gym on July 25, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/DWTNCS) /

Season 1: Episode 3

Air date: July 25, 2017

Karl Roberson

Karl Roberson shocked the fans and Dana White when he defeated Ryan Spann in just 15 seconds to earn him his UFC contract. Since then, he’s had a mixed bag of appearances. His debut secured him his first UFC win after a first-round submission of Darren Stewart. He’d then go to drop his Sophmore appearance, losing the same way. He’d bounce back with a decision win over Jack Marshman but then drop his next (to Glover Teixeira so not too shabby) and then win back-to-back, his most recent coming via submission in November.

UFC record: 4-2

Overall record: 9-2

Grade: B

His sheer volume of fights bumped him up to a B

Geoff Neal

Geoff Neal earned his UFC contract when he defeated Chase Waldon via a first-round TKO. He would go on to make his promotional debut and defeat Brian Camozzi via first-round submission. He’s since gone on to make another four appearances, defeating them all. He secured huge wins when he defeated veterans Belal Muhammed and most recently, Mike Perry via KO at UFC 245.

UFC record: 5-0

Overall record: 13-2

Grade: A+ 

Season 1: Episode 4

Air date: Aug. 1, 2017

Julian Marquez

Julian Marquez earned his UFC contract when he defeated Phil Hawes via a second-round head-kick KO. Marquez would go on to win his UFC debut when he faced Darren Stewart but would drop his second fight to Alessio Di Chirico. The UFC has used Marquez to promote the series in the past and had proved to be a valuable addition to the roster, even outside of the cage.

UFC record: 1-1

Overall record: 7-2

Grade: C

Brandon Davis

Brandon Davis secured his contract with a decision win over Austin Arnett. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much luck with the big show. He arguably had the most chances to shine, fighting a whopping seven times but won only two of those appearances defeating only Steven Peterson and Randy Costa. He dropped two of his last fights and was released from the promotion.

UFC record: 2-5

Overall record: 10-8

Grade: D-

Season 1: Episode 5

Air date: August 8, 2017

Mike Rodriguez

Mike Rodriguez earned his ticket to the big show when he defeated Jamelle Jones via first-round flying knee. He’s since had a patch of bad luck losing his UFC debut. He earned his first and only win after defeating Adam Milstead via TKO, but then dropped two in a row after that (one was later turned into a no-contest). At press time Adam Rodriguez remained on the UFC roster.

UFC record: 1-2-1

Overall record: 10-4

Grade: D

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