Dana White hands out six UFC contracts after DWCS Season 10's most memorable night

Dana White awarded six UFC contracts following an extraordinary Week 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, with the opening featherweight fight alone earning both competitors a spot on the roster.

Roman Puga (6-1) defeated Taner Trembley (7-1) by unanimous decision in what White described as one of the most memorable bouts in DWCS history. White was already walking out to hand Puga his contract when matchmaker Sean Shelby intervened on Trembley’s behalf.

“It takes two to make a great fight,” White said. “And this fight was absolutely incredible. And because it was such a great fight, I got to see so much well-roundedness and toughness from both guys. As soon as this fight was over, I said, ‘Send both these guys to the hospital right now.’ So Puga — it’s a no-brainer; I’m absolutely bringing him in. And as I’m walking out here, Sean Shelby just grabbed me and said, ‘I want Taner too.’ So, both of these guys get a contract with the UFC.”

In the lightweight matchup, Cristian Perez (15-2) dismantled Logan Paxton (10-2) with a second-round stoppage that earned him not only a UFC contract but also an invitation to compete at Noche UFC 4 in September. “Cristian Perez could not have looked any better than he did tonight,” White said.

Middleweight Trent Miller (10-3) produced arguably the night’s biggest upset, submitting heavy favourite Douglas Henrique Rodrigues (7-2) with a Von Flue choke in the second round despite entering as a +270 underdog. White was blunt in his assessment: “Rodriguez was by far the better fighter in my opinion and he was a 5-1 favorite. But you said, ‘Fck that sht.’ Not only did you win the first round, but you came in and beat him in the second round by Von Flue choke. Get over here, you’re in the UFC.”

The sixth contract of the evening went to main event winner Kaik Brito (20-6), who knocked out Namo Fazil (10-2) with a right hand in the third round of their welterweight clash. It was redemption for Brito, who had failed to earn a contract on his first DWCS appearance three years earlier in 2023. Fazil had arrived with momentum following a win at Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA event, but Brito’s finishing power proved decisive.

White also referenced a separate stoppage on the card that he disagreed with, though he still awarded the fighter a contract, noting the courage shown against a 4-1 favourite. The identity of that fighter was not fully detailed in the broadcast, but White confirmed the contract was given in recognition of the performance against the odds.