Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) is a prominent MMA talent showcase that is the brainchild of UFC president, Dana White. It offers aspiring fighters a platform to compete for UFC contracts, evaluated weekly by White and UFC matchmakers. Unlike traditional tournaments, DWCS is based on standout performances rather than victories alone. Fighters compete at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, and exceptional displays, including finishes or remarkable grit, often secure a spot in the UFC roster.
The series, now in its eighth season, has introduced notable prospects to the UFC, with each episode featuring five fights. Fighters like Bo Nickal have emerged as stars after earning contracts through the series. The format also includes occasional contracts for losing fighters who demonstrate exceptional potential. The 2024 season ran from August 13 to October 15, with a diverse roster of fighters representing global talent. Each fight is broadcast live on ESPN+, making the series accessible to a broad audience.
Dana White's Contender Series Seasons
Season 1: July 11, 2017 - August 29, 2017
The first season of Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) aired from July 11 to August 29, 2017. Among the standout fighters who earned UFC contracts were Sean O'Malley, Matt Frevola, and Geoff Neal.
Season 2: June 12, 2018 - August 7, 2018
The second season of DWCS took place from June 12, 2018, to August 7, 2018. Notable fighters who secured UFC contracts were Maycee Barber and Anthony Hernandez.
Season 3: June 18, 2019 – August 27, 2019
The third season of the DWCS aired from June 18 to August 27, 2019. Among the notable fighters who earned UFC contracts this season were Brendan Allen, Jamahal Hill, and Tracy Cortez.
Season 4: August 4, 2020 – November 17, 2020
The fourth season ran from August 4, 2020, to November 17, 2020. Among the leading UFC contract earners included Dustin Jacoby, Adrian Yanez, and Phil Hawes.
Season 5: August 31, 2021 – November 2, 2021
The fifth season of DWCS ran from August 31 to November 2, 2021. Among the fighters to earn UFC contracts were Jailton Almeida, Jack Della Maddalena, and Michael Morales.
Season 6: July 26, 2022 – September 27, 2022
The sixth season of DWCS ran from July 26, 2022, until September 27, 2022. Notable fighters to join the UFC from this season include Bo Nickal, Raul Rosas Jr., and Cameron Saaiman.
Season 7: August 8, 2023 – October 10, 2023
The seventh season of DWCS ran from August 8, 2023, to October 10, 2023. Names that stood out and earned contracts in the UFC were César Almeida, Payton Talbott, and Zachary Reese.
Season 8: August 13, 2024 – October 15, 2024
The eighth season of DWCS aired from August 13 to October 15, 2024. Notable fighters who earned UFC contracts included Mansur Abdul-Malik, Bruno Lopes, and Islam Dulatov.
| Name | Start Date | End Date | No. of Contracts Given | No. of Events Held | Venue | Location |
| Season 8 | August 13, 2024 | October 15, 2024 | 42 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 7 | August 8, 2023 | October 10, 2023 | 46 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 6 | July 26, 2022 | September 27, 2022 | 43 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 5 | August 31, 2021 | November 2, 2021 | 39 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 4 | August 4, 2020 | November 17, 2020 | 37 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 3 | June 18, 2019 | August 27, 2019 | 30 | 10 | UFC Apex Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season Brazil | August 24, 2018 | September 7, 2018 | 11 | 3 | UFC Training Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 2 | June 12, 2018 | August 7, 2018 | 23 | 8 | UFC Training Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Season 1 | July 11, 2017 | August 29, 2017 | 16 | 8 | UFC Training Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
UFC Champions From Dana White Contender's Series
Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill made history when he became the first fighter who appeared in Dana White Contender's Series to become an undisputed UFC champion. Hill clinched the title at UFC 281 by beating Glover Teixeira for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title via a unanimous decision.
Sean O'Malley
Sean O'Malley was the second fighter to become a UFC champion from Dana White's Contender Series. He won the title against Aljamain Sterling via a KO in the second round at UFC 292.
FAQs
A. Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) is a platform that provides aspiring fighters a chance to get UFC contracts.
A. The first season of DWCS aired from July 11, 2017 to August 29, 2017.
A. Jamahal Hill and Sean O'Malley are the only fighters to become champions from the Dana White's Contender Series.
A. Yes, the DWCS has been held in the second half of every year since 2017. So far, there have been eight regular seasons.
