Dana White's Contender Series is back for its 10th season, and Week 1 already delivered some exciting action. Four fighters earned UFC contracts after impressive performances. Dana White was clearly impressed with the talent on display, but he also made a tough call, refusing to sign one fighter despite offering deals to four others. It's a reminder of how high the bar is to make it into the UFC, even for those who perform well on the Contender Series.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Jorge Masvidal predicts Islam Makhachev 'breaks' Ian Garry in UFC 330 main event (MMA Weekly)
- Dana White says Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby could be UFC world champion (Sherdog)
- Four earn UFC contracts at DWCS 2026 Week 1 (Sherdog)
- Alexandre Pantoja coach touts ‘Pantoja 2.0’ ahead of UFC 331 (Sherdog)
- Jorge Masvidal predicts Islam Makhachev 'breaks' Ian Garry in UFC 330 main event (Yahoo Sports)
- Dana White ruthlessly refuses to sign fighter after offering UFC deals to 4 other DWCS winners (Bloody Elbow)
- Ian Garry reveals what drives him ahead of UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev (Sherdog)
- DWCS 10, Week 1 Post-Fight Press Conference (MMA Weekly)
- Islam Makhachev reels in shark ahead of UFC 330 title fight (Sherdog)
- Dana White's Contender Series 10, Week 1 results: Four contracts awarded (MMA Weekly)
- Preview: UFC 330 ‘Makhachev vs. Garry’ (Sherdog)
- Dana White says Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby could be UFC world champion (Yahoo Sports)
- Dana White Signs 4 New UFC Fighters After Week 1 of DWCS (Yahoo Sports)
- Dana White, Craig Borsari working on next unique UFC venue (Sherdog)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the August 12, 2026 edition of the daily show.