Among those returning, Torrez Finney, who actually won his first appearance on the Contender Series but was shut out when it came time for contracts to be awarded. This time out, the middleweight has been paired up with Cam Rowston. Finney remains undefeated as a pro, in a division that could use a fresh face or two.

Bantamweights Billy Brand and Cody Haddon are an early pick for Fight of the Season on paper, giving them plenty to live up to.

Where to Watch Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2

As always, the new season of DWCS airs live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on ESPN+ in the U.S., and Sportsnet/Sportsnet+ in Canada. The card will also be carried on UFC Fight Pass. Full results from the event can be found below.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2

Welterweight: Andreas Berg Gustafsson def. Pat Pytlik by TKO, Round 2, 3:20
Heavyweight: Rizvan Kuniev def. Hugo Cunha by TKO, Round 1, 4:59
Bantamweight: Cortavious Romious def. Michael Imperato by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight: Torrez Finney def. Cam Rowston by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Cody Haddon def. Billy Brand by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:09

Contract Winners: Cody Haddon, Cortavious Romious, Rizvan Kuniev, Andreas Berg Gustafsson

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2 Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

With a UFC contract on the line, an impressive win is even more important for returning fighters, who could be on their last chance.

Welterweight, Pat Pytlik (9-1) Vs. Andreas Berg Gustafsson (10-2)

Notable Notes

• Dana says he doesn’t look at older fighters in their 30s but the main event has Pytlik who is 35 and Gustafsson who is 33.
• Pytlik got this opportunity because of his win in front of Dana White off an episode of Lookin’ For A Fight.
• Pytlik has a 100% finish rate and all wins come by KO/TKO. He never went the distance.
• Gustafsson has gone the distance three times and is 1-2 in those fights.
• Gustafsson had an extensive amateur career going 10-1.
• Gustafsson has a win over UFC fighter Christian Leroy Duncan as an amateur.
• Pytlik’s only loss comes to former UFC fighter Jake Lindsey

Prediction: I don’t think we should see guys in their 30s on DWCS but this one makes the exception. It’s also fine because they are at least fighting each other. Pytlik when he isn’t held against the cage is an exciting fighter. With Gustafsson, excitement is what he’s all about. In his last two fights, he won with a ten-second finish and a Fight of the Year contender.

This fight will determine how durable Pytlik is. Pytlik is the better fighter technically but with Gustafsson, you either have to hold him down or out-dog him. I don’t see Pytlik wrestling so I expect a banger. I’m not convinced Pytlik can go through a war. Gustafsson takes a ton of damage because he’s so reckless and his defense is taking it on the chin. He’s one of these guys that seem impossible to knock out. I’m going to pick Gustafsson by TKO in the third. Not super confident because Gustafsson is more entertaining than skilled but I’ll say I’m 55% confident.

The post DWCS 2024: Episode 2 Breakdown and Predictions appeared first on Cageside Press.

“Of course it was a relief to finally get that call. It’s one thing that you always strive for,” Gustafsson said. “But my first thought was ‘it is about time.”

It wasn’t just the amount of time that it took to get the call – although that too was frustrating. It was also watching those he had done battle with get chances that he was not afforded. He holds a win over Christian Leroy Duncan who is now in the UFC, and he went to decision with Joilton Lutterbach, who was signed by the UFC albeit briefly. Those factors made the wait even more difficult.

“It had been kind of frustrating, you know?” he said citing examples of fighters he had gone toe-to-toe with who have advanced in their careers much faster. “That’s the way it is. I’m not sad or angry about that. I’m just happy to get this opportunity to show everybody that I fit in the UFC.”

That chance will come this Tuesday against Pat Pytlik. Although he knows Pytlik is tough, it could be absolutely anyone across from him. After waiting this long, he’s ready for anything.

“I don’t care who I’m facing. It’s just a guy I need to beat to get in the big leagues. That’s not going to stop me,” Gustafsson said. “We’re going to fight until just one of us is standing and I know I’m going to be the guy standing there with his fist in the air.”

Gustafsson’s fight with Pat Pytlik takes place on Week 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series. The fight card begins at 7pm EST and airs on ESPN+.

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