Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) has become one of the UFC's most important pathways for discovering future stars.
Since debuting in 2017, the series has introduced many athletes who have not just earned contracts, but climbed the rankings, and even captured a division title.
As DWCS prepares for its 10th season, here are ten records to know before the season begins on August 11, 2026.
1. Most UFC Contracts Awarded in a Single Season
Season 7, originally set the record for the most UFC contracts awarded in a single DWCS season with 46. That mark was later matched in Season 9, as another 46 athletes earned UFC contracts.
2. Most UFC Contracts Awarded in a Single Episode
In Season 3, Episode 3, all five match winners earned a UFC contract - Joe Solecki, Antonio Trocoli, Hunter Azure, Maki Pitolo, and Johnathan Pearce.
Roughly a month later, Atonio Tocoli's DWCS victory was overturned and his UFC contract was revoked.
3. Fastest Knockout in DWCS History
Alonzo Menifield holds the record for the fastest knockout, stopping Deshawn Boatwright eight seconds into the first-round during Season 2, Episode 1. The quick finish earned Menifield a UFC contract.
4. Fastest Submission in DWCS History
In Season 2, Episode 2, Ryan Spann earned a UFC contract after recording the fastest submission of the series, finishing Emiliano Sordi with with a guillotine choke just 26 seconds into the first-round.
5. The Lone Disqualification
Disqualifications are an extremely rare result on DWCS. Across hundreds of fights throughout the show's history, only one bout has officially ended in a disqualification.
Season 7, Episode 8, Mario Piazzon won by disqualification. Alexander Soldatkin landed an illegal knee to Mario Piazzon's head, while he was considered a grounded opponent. The referee stopped the contest and awarded Piazzon the victory by disqualification.
6. First DWCS Athlete to Become a UFC Champion
Jahamal Hill made history as the first DWCS graduate to capture a UFC title. After earning his contract in Season 3, Episode 5, he went on to defeat Glover Teixeira for the Light Heavyweight title at UFC 283.
7. Youngest DWCS Contract Winner
Raul Rosas Jr. was 17 years old when he earned a contract on DWCS Season 6, Episode 9. He became the youngest athlete in history to sign a UFC contract.
8. Oldest DWCS Contract Winner
Mandel Nallo secured his UFC contract at 36 years old on Season 9, Episode 4.
9. Tallest Athlete to Earn a DWCS Contract
Tallison Teixeira is the tallest athlete to earn a contract through DWCS, standing at 6'7". He secured his spot with a second-round knockout victory over Arthur Lopes in Season 8, Episode 6.
10. First DWCS Graduate to Defend UFC Title
Sean O'Malley became the first DWCS alum to successfully defend a UFC title when he defeated Marlon Vera at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024 to retain his Bantamweight title. O'Malley originally earned his UFC contract in Season 1, Week 2.
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