DWCS Week 4: Five Fighters Earn UFC Contracts After Night of Finishes

Key points

• Adam Darby defeated Patrick Rivera via doctor's stoppage in the third round, landing a record number of low kicks in a UFC welterweight fight.
• Modestino Rodrigues knocked out Brandon Holmes in just 15 seconds, ending the co-main event early.
• Silvestre Sanchez defeated Liam McCracken via TKO in the third round, showcasing his power and takedowns.
• Gabriel Lorenco defeated Charlie Cleveland via TKO in the first round, despite some controversy surrounding the finish.
• Adam Livingston defeated Hunter Smith via split decision, earning his second UFC contract after a loss in Season 9.

Background

DWCS Season 10 has been a prolific season for UFC contracts, with 15 athletes added to the roster through the first three weeks. The previous week saw Alex Apodaca complete the biggest upset in the show's history, scoring a unanimous decision win over Bella Mir. The record for the number of contracts awarded in a season is 46, set in both Seasons 7 and 9.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting and UFC.com both reported on the five contracts awarded, but MMA Fighting emphasized the 15-second knockout by Modestino Rodrigues, while UFC.com highlighted the potential for a new record for the number of contracts awarded in a season. MMA Mania focused on the 15-second knockout by Modestino Rodrigues, but did not provide as much detail on the other fights as MMA Fighting and UFC.com.

Why it matters

The five contracts awarded at DWCS Season 10, Week 4 highlight the importance of the Contender Series as a pathway to the UFC. The night of finishes, including a 15-second knockout, showcased the talent and potential of the fighters, and the contracts awarded will likely impact the future of the UFC roster.

What to watch

The next DWCS event will likely take place in a few weeks, with more fighters vying for UFC contracts. The UFC will likely announce the next DWCS event in the coming weeks, and the fighters who earned contracts at DWCS Season 10, Week 4 will likely be featured in future UFC events.