Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7 isn’t far away.
Pretty soon, we are going to start hearing some names being thrown around and fights being made. Each year the product gets better and better. UFC contracts are being handled out more each season because the talent is getting stronger and stronger. Which gives us lots to look forward to this year.
With that in mind, here are twenty-five names we expect (and in some cases just hope) will be featured during the upcoming DWCS season.
Cristian “Puas” Pérez
Lightweight | 23 | Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico | 11-1 | 2 KO/TKOs, 6 Submissions | Combined Opponent’s Record: 62-32-2
Perez was rumored to be on this coming season of TUF but for some reason, he didn’t make the final cut. Perez is an athlete under the Combate Global banner that’s a top lightweight prospect. 2021 was a huge year for Perez. He started off 5-0 but ended the year losing in the finals of the tournament Combate held. In 2022 Perez got back on track going 3-0. The young 23-year-old Mexican always brings it and brings a well-rounded skillset. The UFC needs more talent from Mexico and Perez would be a great addition to the Contender Series roster.
Akonne “J3DI” Wanliss
Lightweight | 31 | Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England | 6-2 | 3 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions | Combined Opponent’s Record: 26-6-1
Wanliss is a former Bellator fighter but is now the Levels Fight League lightweight champion. He’s coming off a win over Manuel Gaxhja who was going to be on the Contender Series in 2021 but missed weight and had to pull out. So that’s a good win on his resume. He’s a physical specimen born in Jamaica and living in England. Wanliss could be Bellator’s loss and UFC’s gain.
