It’s that time of year again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. After two weeks of the show starting an hour earlier because of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), this week’s show begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
As has become standard for the program of late, four of five fighters got UFC contracts last week.
In the main event this evening, Middleweights clash as Andrey Pulyaev (8-2) takes on Liam Anderson (6-2), who has a 100 percent finish rate. The co-main sees Bogdan Grad (13-2) return for redemption against the “Texas Kid” Michael Aswell (9-1). The “Featured” bout has French fighter Matthieu Duclos (6-2) trying to spoil Marco Tulio’s (11-1) return to the show after he didn’t receive a contract last year. Undefeated Malcolm Wellmaker (7-0) takes on Adam Bramhald (13-2), and Flyweights kick off the card as Oklahoma State wrestling stud Nick Piccininni (6-0) fights Jack Duffy (7-0).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Andrey Pulyaev defeats Liam Anderson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bogdan Grad defeats Michael Aswell via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Marco Tulio defeats Matthieu Duclos via TKO (liver kick) Round 2, 2:38
Malcolm Wellmaker defeats Adam Bramhald via knockout (punch) Round 1, 2:29
Nick Piccininni defeats Jack Duffy via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
185 lbs:. Andrey Pulyaev defeats Liam Anderson via unanimous decision
145 lbs:. Bogdan Grad defeats Michael Aswell via split decision
185 lbs:. Marco Tulio defeats Matthieu Duclos via TKO
135 lbs:. Malcolm Wellmaker defeats Adam Bramhald via knockout
125 lbs:. Nick Piccininni defeats Jack Duffy via split decision
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.