Dana White’s Contender Series returned this week from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, with its 7th season. Find all the results from DWCS Season 7: Week 1 below.

The return of the Contender Series saw another five prospects earn a UFC contract, with all five of the night’s winners getting a shot in the big show. The five men who earned contracts were Cesar Almeida, Tom Nolan, Caio Machado, Payton Talbott, and Kevin Borjas.

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In the DWCS Season 7 Week 1 featured bout, decorated kickboxer Cesar Almeida, who owns a kickboxing win over former UFC Middleweight Champion Alex Pereira, earned his UFC contract with an impressive decision victory over LFA Middleweight Champion Lucas Fernando. Despite his striking pedigree, Almeida displayed a well-rounded MMA skillset, controlling much of the fight on the ground.

The co-main event saw the best performance and only finish of the entire night, with undefeated Australian Tom Nolan scoring an explosive first-round knockout of Bogdan Grad. Standing six feet three inches tall in the Lightweight division, Nolan will be a serious threat in the UFC’s deepest division.

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The other three winners of the night, Caio Machado, Payton Talbott and Kevin Borjas, all earned their UFC contracts with varying performances. Talbott and Borjas looked impressive in close fights, while Machado was dominant in a very lacklustre Heavyweight contest. All three are still a bit raw and have work to do to have successful UFC careers, but they are deserving of their shot in the UFC.

Who Won At Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1?

Fight Card: 7:00pm ET/9:00am AEST/11:00pm GMT

Cesar Almeida (3-0-0) def. Lucas Fernando (9-1-0) via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

Tom Nolan (5-0-0) def. Bogdan Grad (11-1-0) via KO (Punches), Round 1

Caio Machado (7-1-1) def. Kevin Szaflarski (11-1-0) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Payton Talbott (5-0-0) def. Reyes Cortez (7-2-0) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Kevin Borjas (8-1-0) def. Victor Dias (11-2-0) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

*Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1 fight card and bout order is subject to change.

When does Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1 start?

Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1 takes place from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Tuesday, 8 August (Wednesday, 9 August in Australia). The fight card starts at 7:00pm ET/9:00am AEST/11:00pm GMT.

Where can you watch Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1?

Dana White’s Contender Series 2023: Week 1 takes place on ESPN+. The event can be watched in Australia through Kayo. Find your local broadcaster here.

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