Dana White’s Contender Series Season 3 Episode 7 Full Report

In the seventh episode of the season, Dana White’s Contender Series saw five more fights, with successful fighters having potential UFC contracts. It was an action-packed week with many stoppages, so let’s look at how it went down.

Bout 1: Jason Perrin (8-3) vs. Dwight Joseph (9-1) (Bantamweight)

The first fight was a bantamweight battle between Jason Perrin and Dwight Joseph. In the first seconds of the fight, Perrin caught a leg kick and got a takedown. They went back to standup, with Joseph trying for a takedown for not succeeding. Joseph got a slam takedown later in the round, taking his back briefly. The broadcast emphasized Perrin’s calmness. Throughout the round Joseph was out-striking. Another leg kick was caught and turned into a takedown by Perrin. Unfortunately for Perrin, Joseph put in a guillotine. He was deep in the hold and for a long time, but was able to eventually get out. In the final round, Perrin was on top position once again. He took Joseph’s back but didn’t do much. They stood back up with 90 seconds left. The fight went the distance. This was a fight where both fighter looked good. All three judges gave the fight to Dwight Joseph (29-28, 29-28 & 29-28). The result shocked Jason Perrin.

My Scorecard:

Bout 2: Andre Muniz (17-4) vs. Taylor Johnson (5-0) (Middleweight)

The next fight had a returning Contender Series fighter versus an undefeated fighter. Andrew Muniz, who has fought on the Brazilian edition of the Contender Series, faced Taylor Johnson, who has never seen a professional loss. Right out the gates, Gary was hit with a counter left hook which dropped him. Johnson took top position. He slammed Muniz to escape an armbar. They stood up and Muniz took Johnson’s back. He put in a rear naked choke which put a quick conclusion to the fight.

My Scorecard:

Bout 3: Darrick Minner (22-9) vs. Herbert Burns (8-2) (Featherweight)

The night fight had a very experienced fighter in Darrick Minner versus Herbert Burns. Just like the last fight, this one got to the action quite quickly. Standing up against the cage, Minner was on Burns’ back. He got back on his feet and landed some hooks. Burns tried for a guillotine on the ground but couldn’t get it. Minner was in top position. He got caught in a triangle choke, which ended the bout.

My Scorecard:

Bout 4: Marilia Santos (10-2) vs. Lucrezia Ria (7-2) (Flyweight)

In the fourth fight of the night, Marilia Santos and Lucrezia Ria fought in a flyweight contest. The fight was on the ground for a few moments, with Santos in the dominant position. Santos landed some good punches. It looked as if she tripped when Ria threw some punches in her direction. On the ground, Santos tried for an armbar as the round was closing out. In the second round there was a great exchange of punches where both fighters were going all out with hooks. On the ground, Ria continued to have control for most of the round. Santos had a good first minute of the final round, continually coming forward and landing punches. Ria looked tired and defensive. On the ground, Ria tried for a guillotine. For the numerous minutes that they were on the ground, Ria was completely in control. The fight went the distance with both fighters showing great sportsmanship afterwards. Lucrezia Ria won via split decision with quite differing scorecards (30-27 Santos, 29-28 Ria & 29-28 Ria).

My Scorecard:

Bout 5: Harvey Park (12-2) vs. Omar Morales (7-0) (Lightweight)

In the main event of the evening, Harvey Park fought an undefeated Omar Morales. The first round was somewhat close and composed, until the final 20 seconds where both fighters started throwing wild punches. Morales had more outstanding moments in the first. Park tried for a takedown early in the second and ate some punches on the way down. He hurt one of his feet which left him standing up against the cage. Morales landed punches which dropped Park, and had referee Herb Dean intervene quickly.

My Scorecard:

At the end of the night, Dana White awarded contracts to Andre Muniz, Herbert Burns and Omar Morales.