It’s that time!
Contender Series keeps rolling on for 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. Week five goes down tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, in front of UFC CEO, Dana White, as well as his cadre of matchmakers.
As has become standard for the program of late, all four fighters earned UFC contracts last week.
In the main event this evening, Dan Hooker’s protege, Aaron Tau (8-0), takes on Elijah Smith (6-1), the son of former UFC fighter, Gilbert Smith. The co-main event sees Heavyweights clash as 6’8” Brazilian Tallison Teixeira (6-0) fights fellow Brazilian, Arthur Lopes (6-1). The “Featured” bout has Welterweight knockout artists as Benjamin Bennett (6-1) clashes with Joey Hart (6-1). Yura Naito (6-0), who has all first round finishes, fights Cameroon slugger Ateba Gautier (5-1). To kick off week six, two Lightweight hopefuls return to the show for a second time as Dylan Mantello (8-3) takes on Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada (11-3).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Aaron Tau vs. Elijah Smith
Tallison Teixeira vs. Arthur Lopes
Benjamin Bennett vs. Joey Hart
Yura Naito vs. Ateba Gautier
Dylan Mantello vs. Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
135 lbs.: Aaron Tau vs. Elijah Smith
265 lbs.: Tallison Teixeira vs. Arthur Lopes
170 lbs.: Benjamin Bennett vs. Joey Hart
185 lbs.: Yura Naito vs. Ateba Gautier
155 lbs.: Dylan Mantello vs. Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.