Six extra fighters are becoming a member of the UFC after an insane week of Contender Sequence.
On Tuesday night time, Week 9 of Contender Sequence befell on the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, that includes three finishes, together with the second-fastest end in Contender Sequence historical past, however by far, the combat that stole the present was the co-main occasion bantamweight contest between Adrian Luna Martinetti and Mark Vologdin, who placed on arguably the best combat in Contender Sequence historical past and among the best fights of 2025.
Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Mark Vologdin
Within the co-main occasion of the night, Adrian Luna Martinetti and Mark Vologdin went to struggle, tearing chunks out of one another for quarter-hour, in the end leading to a call win for Martinetti.
Vologdin began robust along with his karate model and combos, however Martinetti introduced the dawg out, and after a troublesome opening spherical, put the stress on Vologdin. Martinetti’s aggressiveness led to an insane struggle between the 2 as Martinetti stood inside and piled up quantity, whereas Vologdin lit him up with heavy counters. Martinetti’s tempo took over because the spherical went on. For a second, it appeared he was about to complete Vologdin, however the Allstars Coaching Middle fighter rallied and practically stopped Martinetti within the remaining seconds of the spherical.
A nasty lower over Vologdin’s eye threatened to finish the bout earlier than the third, however the ringside doctor allowed it to proceed, and we have been blessed with 5 extra minutes of motion. Within the remaining spherical, Martinetti took over with grappling, grinding his head into the gnarly gash over Vologdin’s eye. Vologdin didn’t hand over, although, and landed a number of massive pictures when he may get to his ft, however it was not sufficient. Martinetti gained 29-28 on all three judges’ scorecards.
The combat was so good that it led to a primary in Contender Sequence historical past: Instantly after the choice, Dana White pulled commentator Laura Sanko apart to announce that each males have been going to the hospital, however he wasn’t ready till the top of the present to announce he was signing each to the UFC, and giving them every a $25,000 bonus for probably the most effective combat within the historical past of the present.
Magomed Zaynukov vs. Lucas Caldas
In the principle occasion of the night,
The 2 males had a troublesome act to observe, given the co-main occasion was among the best fights of 2025, however they did their finest, with Zaynukov blowing away the document for most vital strikes in Contender Sequence light-weight historical past (and he would’ve set the UFC light-weight document if it have been a UFC bout) as he piled harm onto Caldas. To his credit score, Caldas hung robust, dropping Zaynukov within the first spherical and by no means giving an inch regardless of getting the enterprise finish of practically 250 important strikes.
A record-setting efficiency like that, in fact, additionally earned a UFC contract.
Imanol Rodriguez vs. Roque Conceicao
Within the characteristic bout of the night, Imanol Rodriguez made up for his Final Fighter foray by demolishing Roque Conceicao to earn a UFC contract.
Rodriguez misplaced within the semifinals of The Final Fighter 33, however from there went to coach with Daniel Cormier, and the 25-year-old prospect regarded sensational on Contender Sequence, showcasing his quick arms and killer intuition. Rodriguez buzzed Conceicao early after catching a kick after which poured on the offense. Conceicao did a very good job of surviving, however after he lastly obtained again to his ft, Rodriguez despatched him face-first to the canvas with a brutal shovel hook, securing his spot within the UFC.
Luis Felipe Dias vs. Donavon Hedrick
Within the second bout of the night, Luis Felipe Dias overcame some adversity to submit Donavon Hedrick in his first combat in nearly two years.
A former Shooto champion, Dias had been out of motion since 2023 and had two completely different opponents for his Contender Sequence debut earlier than Hedrick stepped in. And early on, that ring rust confirmed as Hedrick started working with a pointy jab and low kicks. Dias scored along with his highly effective physique kicks, although, and within the second spherical, he took Hedrick down and went to work, shifting to the again and securing a fight-ending choke.
On the finish of the present, Dana White was trustworthy about being on the fence, however determined, since Dias took the combat on brief discover, he was going to present him a UFC contract.
Luke Fernandez vs. Rafael Pergentino
Within the opening bout of the night, Luke Fernandez made fast work of Rafael Pergentino, punching his ticket to the UFC in much less time than it takes to jot down this sentence.
Fernandez was one of many greatest betting favorites on all the season, and he confirmed why because the CFFC champion dropped Pergentino with a pointy proper hand simply seconds into the bout. Fernandez tried to stroll it off, however when the referee didn’t intervene, he jumped down and pounded Pergentino for a 15-second end, tying the second-fastest stoppage in Contender Sequence historical past.
In fact, while you rating a 15-second knockout, you’re going to earn a contract, and Dana White did simply that.
Try the complete outcomes under.
Magomed Zaynukov def. Lucas Caldas by way of unanimous choice (30-26)
Adrian Luna Martinetti def. Mark Vologdin by way of unanimous choice (29-28 x3)
Imanol Rodriguez def. Roque Conceicao by way of knockout (punch) — 2:12, Spherical 1.
Luis Felipe Dias def. Donavon Hedrick by way of submission (rear-naked choke) — 4:37, Spherical 2.
Luke Fernandez def. Rafael Pergentino by way of TKO (punches) — 0:15, Spherical 1.
