Historic night in DWCS history as UFC signs six new fighters, including one in defeat
Roman Puga (6-1) and Taner Trembley (7-1) kicked off the card in a featherweight clash. It was one of the most memorable fights in DWCS history, with both fighters repeatedly rocking each other. While Puga walked away with a unanimous decision victory, Trembley’s toughness was on full display.
Dana White was walking out to award Puga an Ultimate Fighting Championship contract when Sean Shelby insisted that Trembley be given one as well.
“It takes two to make a great fight,” White said while awarding both Puga and Trembley UFC contracts. “And this fight was absolutely incredible. And because it was such a great fight, I got to see so much well-roundedness and toughness from both guys. As soon as this fight was over, I said, ‘Send both these guys to the hospital right now.’ So Puga -- it’s a no-brainer; I’m absolutely bringing him in. And as I’m walking out here, Sean Shelby just grabbed me and said, ‘I want Taner too.’ So, both of these guys get a contract with the UFC.”
Alik Lorenz (8-2) made his second Contender Series appearance in a light heavyweight tilt against Mahamed Aly (5-2). Lorenz floored Aly with an overhand right before finishing him with hammer-fists. While White thought it was an early stoppage, he was impressed enough with the +320 underdog Lorenz’s massive upset win.
“I did not agree with the stoppage; I thought the stoppage was a bit early,” White said. “But Lorenz was teeing off on him with big shots. And by the time the fight started, he was a 4-1 dog. So, when you come in as a 4-1 dog and you do what you did tonight, Lorenz, get over here, congratulations.”
Cristian Perez (15-2) took on Logan Paxton (10-2) in a lightweight matchup. Perez looked flawless as he picked apart Paxton en route to a second-round stoppage win. White not only gave Perez a contract but also an offer to compete at Noche UFC 4 in September.
“Cristian Perez, incredible fight,” White said. “Again, two very tough, durable guys and Christian Perez could not have looked any better than he did tonight. And I hope he wants to fight at UFC Noche.”
Trent Miller (10-3) also made his sophomore Contender Series appearance in a middleweight matchup against Douglas Henrique Rodrigues (7-2). A +270 underdog, Miller put Rodrigues to sleep with a Von Flue choke in the second round to earn a UFC contract.
“Trent Miller, unfortunately, I’m a very brutally honest guy,” White said. “Rodriguez was by far the better fighter in my opinion and he was a 5-1 favorite. But you said, ‘F*ck that sh*t.’ Not only did you win the first round, but you came in and beat him in the second round by Von Flue choke. Get over here, you’re in the UFC.”
Another Contender Series veteran earned the final contract of the night in the main event. Kaik Brito (20-6) returned in a welterweight matchup against Namo Fazil (10-2), three years after his first failed DWCS bid in 2023. While Fazil was riding a lot of momentum after his recent win at Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA event, Brito put the Iraqi to sleep with a right hand in the third round to earn a UFC contract.
“And what could you not say about the main event? That was incredible,” White said. “And the fact that Fazil has so many fans in here going crazy. Brito, I love your style, the way you fight… Came out with a flying knee in the third round, tried to finish the fight, and finished it in spectacular fashion. I cannot wait to see you fight in the UFC.”
DWCS has proved to be one of the most reliable sources of scouting future UFC stars. White revealed that fighters from DWCS have made a combined $225.3 million in the UFC. There are also currently 420 active DWCS graduates on the UFC roster.
🚨 Dana White says fighters who earned UFC contracts through the Contender Series have made a combined $225.3 MILLION pic.twitter.com/BT8HXjC0Lj— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 19, 2026