Top Prospects Emerge from Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9

Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series has concluded, introducing 46 new fighters to the UFC. This event serves as a crucial recruitment tool for the UFC, akin to a talent draft in the sport. Here, we categorize the standout prospects from this season based on their potential using a traditional star rating system.

Prospect Rating System

The prospects from Season 9 are evaluated as follows:

• Five Star: Elite prospects with the potential to become top contenders or champions.
• Four Star: Great prospects who may lack a key attribute to reach the elite level but are strong contenders.
• Three Star: Solid prospects who can contribute to the UFC but are unlikely to achieve top 15 status.
• Two Star: Adequate prospects, surprising if they break into the top 15.
• One Star: Prospects with minimal impact expected in their career.

Top Prospects from Season 9

High-Potential Fighters

Among the top prospects, several fighters stand out:

• Cameron Rowston: Hailing from City Kickboxing, he is considered a potential breakout star.
• Levi Rodrigues: Noteworthy for his fast pace and aggressive style.
• Mandel Nallo: Very experienced at 36 but talented, potentially making an immediate impact.
• Steven Asplund: Known for his crowd-pleasing persona, especially in the heavyweight division.

Valuable Middle Tier

Several fighters possess promise despite limitations:

• Tommy Gantt: An NCAA wrestler alongside Daniel Cormier, still developing at 32.
• Donte Johnson: Showed potential despite being undersized for his division.
• Adrian Luna Martinetti: Recognized for his thrilling fights that attract attention.

Rising Stars

Several fighters in this group have the tools necessary for a successful MMA career:

• Cezary Oleksiejczuk: Comparison to his brother Michal, shows potential with further development.
• Shanelle Dyer: Former Muay Thai champion with upside at 24 years old.
• Marwan Rahiki: A unique kickboxer with a vibrant personality and decent offense.

Elite Prospects to Watch

The following fighters have garnered significant attention as the best prospects of Season 9:

• Javier Reyes: Fast and combative, trained by Daniel Cormier; likely a future UFC star.
• Hugo Lebosnoyani: Attractive fighting style and strong grappling background.
• Joaquim Pinas: Exceptional talent with raw power; a fighter to keep an eye on.
• Magomed Susurkaev: Talented with strong grappling skills and a confident demeanor; already made his UFC debut.

Conclusion

Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series has successfully introduced a diverse class of fighters to the UFC. While some will need time to reach their full potential, others are poised to make significant impacts in the promotion. El-Balad will continue to monitor these prospects as they embark on their professional journeys.