Five more fighters earned UFC contracts on last night’s 6th episode of Dana White’s Contender Series 7.
In the main event James Llontop emerged as a convincing winner via unanimous decision against Malik Lewis to earn his UFC contract.
Llontop was able to get the better of the striking action throughout the fight and was able to hurt his opponent in each round, including dropping him twice in the final round with elbow strikes. Lewis showed his toughness to survive, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Jhonata Diniz ensured his spot on the roster with a 1st round TKO finish against Eduardo Neves, putting him down to one knee momentarily with a right hand, and then not long afterwards delivering a straight right to floor him at the 3.15min mark.
Steven Nguyen almost finished A.J. Cunningham in the first round, sending him to the canvas with a right hand in the final second of the opening round. The bell saved him on that occasion, but late in the second round Cunningham looked in bad shape as Nguyen blasted him with big punches, leading to the ref rightly stepping in to save him from further punishment.
Julia Polastri earned a decisive victory that saw her hoist Patricia Aljuas into the air and walk her across the Octagon in the second round before slamming her down and going to work to set up a rear-naked choke finish.
The opening fight of the evening was a hard-fought battle that saw Jean Matsumoto get the better of Kasey Tanner in the striking exchanges, making good use of leg kicks alongside his punches to claim a unanimous decision victory.
James Llontop def. Malik Lewis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Jhonata Diniz def. Eduardo Neves via TKO (punch) – Round 1, 3:15
Steven Nguyễn def. Ạ.J. Cunningham via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:06
Julia Polastri def. Patricia Alujas via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:05
Jean Matsumoto def. Kasey Tanner via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
