Dana White’s Contender Series 2024: Week 6 continues Season 8 live on ESPN+ from UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Tuesday, September 17. The fight card features five bouts with the MMA prospects going head-to-head in hopes to earn a contract with the UFC.
In the main event, Elijah Smith (6-1) of Colorado Springs goes up against unbeaten bantamweight Aaron Tau (8-0) of New Zealand. Also on the card, an all-Brazilian bout at heavyweight pitting Arthur Lopes (6-1) against unbeaten Talisson Teixeira (6-0). As well, unbeaten welterweight Joey Hart (7-0) of St. Cloud, Minnesota faces Benjamin Bennett (6-1) of St. Louis, Missouri.
In addition, unbeaten Yura Naito (6-0) of Japan takes on Cameroonian Ateba Gautier (5-1) at middleweight. In the event opener Dylan Mantello (8-3) of Garden City, New York and Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada (10-3) of Afghanistan clash at lightweight.
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8: Week 6 results
Get Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8: Week 6 full fight card results below.
- Elijah Smith def. Aaron Tau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Talisson Teixeira def. Arthur Lopes by KO (punch, R1 at 1:57)
- Benjamin Bennett def. Joey Hart by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Ateba Gautier def. Yura Naito by TKO (punches, R2 at 4:00)
- Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada def. Dylan Mantello by submission (rear-naked choke, R3 at 2:41)
UFC contract winners
Following the fight results, UFC CEO Dana White named the fighters earning a contract with Ultimate Fighting Championship. The list includes Elijah Smith, Tallison Teixeira, Ateba Gautier and Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada.