DWCS Week 7: Six Fighters Earn UFC Contracts, Including Two Losers

Dana White signed six fighters to UFC contracts following Week 7 of the Contender Series at Meta APEX, including two who lost their bouts. Damian Piwowarczyk, Piero Guaylupo, Callum Connor, Marcos Degli, Alvi Dasuyev, and Jaden Ortega received offers despite a card featuring few finishes. The event marked the second half of Season 10, adding to the 28 athletes already signed this season.
Key points
- Six fighters signed: Piwowarczyk, Guaylupo, Connor, Degli, Dasuyev, and Ortega.
- Two losers signed: Callum Connor (lost to Guaylupo) and Jaden Ortega (lost to Dasuyev).
- Piwowarczyk won via first-round TKO over Emilio Quissua.
- Degli submitted Paris Moran in the second round.
- Dasuyev and Guaylupo won unanimous decisions.
- Novenyi Jr. defeated Theo Haig by unanimous decision but was not signed.
Background
DWCS Season 10 began with four signings in Week 6, bringing the total to 28 for the season. The show serves as a primary pipeline for UFC talent, a role highlighted in earlier discussions about earnings and roster development.
How outlets are covering it
SHERDOG emphasized the rarity of finishes but noted six signings, including two losers. UFC.com previewed the card, highlighting the middleweight debut and the welterweight matchup between unbeaten prospects. MMA Junkie provided detailed round-by-round analysis, noting the high quality of the Guaylupo-Connor fight and the resilience of Ortega despite being dropped twice. All sources agree on the six signings but differ in emphasis: SHERDOG focuses on the contract outcomes, UFC.com on fighter backgrounds, and MMA Junkie on fight quality and drama.
Why it matters
The signing of two losers underscores the UFC's focus on potential and performance over immediate results. It also highlights the competitive depth in lightweight and welterweight divisions, with Guaylupo and Dasuyev emerging as top prospects. The event reinforces DWCS as a critical talent pipeline for the UFC.
What to watch
The signed fighters will likely be integrated into the UFC roster in the coming months. Future DWCS episodes will continue to feature prospects from various weight classes, with the next event expected to feature more high-profile matchups.
- Dana White signs 6 at DWCS Week 7, including 2 fighters who lost Sherdog
- Week 7 Preview | Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 10 UFC.com
- Dana White Made DWCS History On Tuesday After 2 Epic Wars Yahoo Sports
- UFC ‘Contender Series’ results, live coverage and full fight highlights (6 contracts) | Season 10, Ep. 7 MMA Mania
- Dana White's Contender Series 93 results: First time ever two losing fighters signed mmajunkie.usatoday.com
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