The latest episode of Dana White’s Contender Series was more decision-heavy than some others we’ve seen in recent times and that led to a sharp decline in the number of fighters being a awarded a UFC contract last night.
In fact, only main event winner Philip Rowe was given the greenlight to compete in the UFC on this occasion after he won his welterweight bout against Leon Shabazyan with a third round finish.
Rowe actually was in danger of being stopped himself in the opening round as Shahbazyan caught a kick and then land a big punch that left his opponent dazed.
Rowe then had to dig deep to make it out of the round, but was gradually able to turn the screw in the second round and had Shabayzan close to being stopped with strikes against the cage and then ending the round on top landing ground and pound.
In the final round Rowe came out looking to end the fight on his terms and he didn’t have to wait long as he moved in with a wave of punches that sent his opponent down, leading to the TKO finish with 16 seconds of the round gone.
Check out all the Contender Series results below.
Welterweight
Philip Rowe def. Leon Shahbazyan via TKO (punches) (R3, :16)
Light Heavyweight
Jamal Pogues def. Marcos Brigagao via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Catchweight (139.5 pounds)*
Steve Garcia def. Desmond Torres via TKO (strikes) (R1, 4:35)
Strawweight
Mallory Martin def. Micol di Segni via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bantamweight
Ricky Steele def. Phil Caracappa via unanimous decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)