5 fighters who got their "big break" on Dana White's Contender Series

#2. Sean O'Malley - Dana White's Contender Series Season 1

Sean O'Malley has a record of 15-1 (1 NC)

Sean O'Malley is the biggest star Dana White's Contender Series has ever produced. He picked up a first-round KO victory to earn his spot on the roster and has suffered just one defeat since then. He's also become one of the bigger stars in the sport with a loyal following.

O'Malley followed up on securing a UFC contract with four straight wins before suffering the first defeat of his career at the hands of Marlon 'Chito' Vera. However, he rebounded with three straight wins before his most recent bout with Pedro Munhoz that ended in a no contest.

Next up for O'Malley will be the biggest test of his career when he faces former bantamweight champion Petr Yan. If he is able to win, he will establish himself as one of the elite fighters in the sport and could acquire megastar status. But that will be easier said than done against a fighter as talented as Yan.

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#1. Taila Santos - Dana White's Contender Series Brazil

Taila Santos has a record of 19-2

Taila Santos got her break on Dana White's Contender Series Brazil when she scored a unanimous decision win to earn a UFC contract. She would then suffer a split decision loss in her first fight on the roster but has looked impressive ever since.

Following that loss, Santos won four fights in a row, including a first-round submission win over Joanne Calderwood which secured her a title shot. While she ultimately lost to dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko, she performed far better than any flyweight challenger has in recent memory. Some even thought that she'd done enough to trounce 'The Bullet' Valentina Shevchenko.

She suffered injuries in that bout that will keep her out of action for some time but the future remains very bright for the 29-year-old. Given how close she came against Shevchenko, it won't take much for Santos to earn a rematch and who knows how that fight might play out.