Dana White’s Contender Series Unveils Season 9 Roster and Fall Schedule

The ESPN showcase returns August 12 with ten weekly episodes highlighting global talent competing for UFC contracts.

Overview

Season nine runs August 12 through October 14 on ESPN, featuring ten episodes where standout fighters can impress Dana White and earn UFC deals.
Past Contender Series alumni include Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, Bo Nickal, Maycee Barber and Dan Ige, all of whom became UFC mainstays.
Season 9 spotlights former NFL player Josh Hokit, who amassed multiple first-round finishes in Bellator and the LFA.
Polish judoka Iwo Baraniewski arrives undefeated from Babilon MMA while American grappler Jon Kunneman boasts a 10-0 record under coach Greg Jackson.
Brazilian heavyweight Guilherme Pat and Peruvian bantamweight Juan Diaz round out a diverse international roster aiming to break into the UFC.