Week 5 of Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 delivered another electrifying night of fights at the UFC APEX. The event showcased a remarkable 12 finishes out of 15 bouts, with nine ending in the first round. The intensity was palpable from the opening bell, setting the stage for a night of memorable performances and contract signings.
The night began with a thrilling strawweight clash between Carol Foro and Shanelle Dyer. Both fighters impressed Dana White enough to earn contracts, with Foro securing the victory via unanimous decision. The momentum continued as Samuel Sanches swiftly dispatched Chasen Blair with a devastating knockout, highlighting his exceptional striking power. Freddy Vidal, stepping in on short notice, showcased remarkable resilience and secured a late submission victory over Felipe Franco, earning a contract opportunity on the final episode.
Lerryan Douglas delivered a breathtaking knockout of Cam Teague, leaving even the experienced matchmaker Mick Maynard stunned. Douglas's power and precision were undeniable, solidifying his place as a formidable contender. The night culminated in a breathtakingly swift 16-second knockout victory for Steven Asplund over Anthony Guarascio, showcasing the raw power and speed that characterized this week's event.
In total, five fighters earned UFC contracts: Carol Foro, Shanelle Dyer, Samuel Sanches, Lerryan Douglas, and Steven Asplund. Freddy Vidal was also granted another opportunity to prove himself in the final week of the season. This brings the total number of Season 9 contract winners to 22, adding to the already impressive 14 from the previous three weeks. The sheer volume of knockouts and exciting finishes proved that this season of Dana White's Contender Series has set a high bar for future seasons, leaving viewers and fight fans everywhere eager to see what the finale will bring.
This week's DWCS not only showcased exceptional talent but also solidified the series' reputation for uncovering promising and highly competitive fighters, a testament to the show's role in the ongoing development of the UFC roster. The event successfully blended intense action, impressive wins, and the excitement of witnessing the next generation of UFC stars emerge.
---
Originally published at: https://www.ufc.com/news/week-5-results-scorecards-fight-recaps-contract-winners-interviews-dana-whites-contender-series-season-9
