Dana White’s Contender Series: Rising Stars to Watch on August 19

By Ali Hammad August 20, 2025 04:06

Dana White’s Contender Series returned for Season 9 Week 2 on August 19, 2025, showcasing a lineup brimming with promising prospects hungry to earn their UFC contracts. The event, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and broadcast live on ESPN+, featured tightly contested battles and spectacular finishes, underscoring why the Contender Series remains a vital pipeline for the UFC’s next generation of stars.

Headlining the card was a featherweight showdown between undefeated Tommy Cuozzi (8-0) and Ramiro Jimenez (10-0), both remarkable fighters with nearly perfect records and impressive finishing rates. Cuozzi entered with a perfect record, having finished seven of eight opponents in the first round alone, while Jimenez possessed a similarly devastating resume featuring eight finishes in ten professional wins, including a remarkable one-day, three-fight tournament victory at Combate Global in 2023.

The fight delivered a thrilling barnburner, with Jimenez dictating pace early through heavy leg kicks and a precision striking attack that initially staggered Cuozzi. Despite Cuozzi’s counter-pressure and attempts to seize control, Jimenez’s relentless head kicks and clinch elbows overwhelmed him, prompting referee Herb Dean to wave off the bout at 2:53 of round one. This TKO victory propelled Jimenez closer to the coveted UFC contract, spotlighting his readiness for elite competition.

In the heavyweight division, Josh Hokit (5-0) made a dazzling impression with his wrestling-dominated performance against Guilherme Uriel (6-2). Hokit, a former NFL player and two-time NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler, controlled the fight with repeat takedown attempts and dominant top control, eventually securing a TKO finish in the second round at 1:06. Hokit's wrestling pedigree was evident, as he ruled the mat and neutralized Uriel’s striking, signaling his rapid development and potential impact as the UFC looks to deepen its heavyweight talent pool.

Other notable winners included bantamweight Kaushik Saikumar, featherweight Louis Lee Scott, and middleweight Cam Rowston, each displaying a mix of striking prowess and grappling acumen that bodes well in the UFC spotlight. Scott extended his undefeated streak to 10-0 with a third-round TKO, while Rowston’s first-round TKO showcased his explosive power and tactical dominance, emphasizing the depth of finishing talent emerging from the series.

Veteran UFC President Dana White continued his tradition of awarding UFC contracts to the most impressive performers of the night. Following the event, White spotlighted Jimenez and Hokit for their explosive finishes and readiness to compete at the highest level, noting, “These guys brought it tonight. The UFC’s future is bright with the kind of talent we’re seeing in Dana White’s Contender Series.” White also praised the fighters’ mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure, a signature of the series that demands both skill and composure.

The series serves as a crucial proving ground for fighters outside the UFC, offering a direct path to the sport’s biggest stage. With weekly showcases increasingly featuring fast-paced, high-stakes matchups, Dana White’s Contender Series provides fans with a glimpse into potential future stars and title contenders.

Looking ahead, several fighters from Week 2 are likely to earn UFC contracts or second chance fights, adding fresh energy and competition to their respective divisions. Fighters like Ramiro Jimenez and Josh Hokit represent promising investments for the UFC, possessing skill sets that combine finishing power, wrestling, and striking versatility.

In summary, Dana White’s Contender Series on August 19 delivered an electrifying mix of finishes and skillful fights, reaffirming its reputation as a launching pad for the UFC’s next wave of talent. With fighters like Jimenez and Hokit emerging, the future of the UFC looks brighter than ever as these rising stars prepare to take their place in the sport’s spotlight.