The fight between Nicolle Caliari and Corinne LaFrambiose ended in a submission victory for Caliari in the first round. Despite the win, Caliari’s striking abilities were not showcased much in the fight, with most of her success coming from her submission skills. Her performance was graded as an A, indicating a high probability of her returning to the UFC stage. It was noted that Caliari’s style of fighting resembled that of Tecia Pennington, showcasing potential for growth in the UFC.
Josias Musasa secured a victory over Otar Tanzilovi via split decision in a highly competitive fight. The analysis highlighted Musasa’s ability to maintain pressure on Tanzilovi throughout the fight, showcasing his well-rounded skills in the bantamweight division. This performance earned Musasa a UFC contract, indicating a high likelihood of seeing him in future UFC events. His ability to mix bodywork with aggression and counter wrestling skills were praised, setting a strong foundation for his future in the UFC.
Yousri Belgaroui’s victory over Taiga Iwasaki via TKO in the third round was met with a grade of C+. Despite the finish, the analysis pointed out the lackluster nature of the fight, with Belgaroui struggling against an undersized opponent who took the fight on short notice. The fight was marred by multiple eye pokes, leading to a messy performance from both fighters. While Belgaroui did not receive a UFC contract, there was a suggestion for him to potentially return for another shot in the future against a similar Contender Series veteran.
Navajo Stirling closed the show with a knockout victory over Phillip Latu in the second round, earning a grade of A for his performance. Stirling’s ability to maintain composure and execute striking setups and shot selections was praised, highlighting his potential in the UFC. Despite Latu putting up a strong fight initially, Stirling’s ability to adjust and capitalize on his opponent’s fading performance was commendable. Stirling is expected to be featured in upcoming UFC events, possibly alongside fighters from City Kickboxing camp.
Overall, the analysis of the winners from Dana White’s Contender Series Week 5 showcased a mix of promising talent and areas for improvement. Each fighter demonstrated unique skills and abilities, but the level of competition and performance varied among them. As the series continues to serve as a platform for up-and-coming fighters to showcase their skills, it will be interesting to see how these fighters progress in their UFC careers and whether they can capitalize on the opportunities presented to them.