Four more fighters earned UFC contracts last night thanks to their victories at Dana White’s Contender Series 30 event in Las Vegas.
That included main event winner Jamie Pickett, who has already fought twice on the Contender Series, and lost on each occasion.
However, it proved to be third-time-lucky for Pickett last night as he dazed Jhonoven Pati with a jab early in the second round and then followed up with more punches, leading to a left hand that floored him for the TKO finish.
Also earning a UFC contract was Rafael Alves, whose night didn’t get off to the best start when he tried some acrobatics for his octagon-entrance and failed to stick the landing, though he did so at the second attempt.
Putting that awkwardness behind him, Alves would then go on to show off some dangerous and at times flashy striking against Alejandro Flores, though in the end it was a takedown from his opponent mid-way through the second round that enabled Alves to sink in a guillotine choke to finish the fight.
Jeffrey Molina also secured a fight deal with the UFC following a unanimous decision victory over Jacob Silva, despite breaking his foot in the opening round.
Credit should also go to Silva for never giving up as he maintained a high pace and stayed on the offensive despite Molina’s superior striking leaving him hurt on several occasions during the three-rounder.
Collin Huckbody made sure he claimed the other UFC contract on the night by securing a swift submission victory over Kyron Bowen via arm-triangle.
Check out all the Contender Series 30 results below.
Jamie Pickett def. Jhonoven Pati via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:33
Rafael Alves def. Alejandro Flores via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:55
Jeffrey Molina def. Jacob Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Anthony Romero def. Mike Breeden via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
Collin Huckbody def. Kyron Bowen via submission (arm-triangle) – Round 1, 1:28
