It’s that time again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, beginning at 8 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Sept. 23, 2025) on ESPN+.
For what it’s worth, four winners earned UFC contracts last week (results here).
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In tonight’s main event, Middleweight up-and-comers collide as Croatia’s Dani Barbir (7-0) takes on Lithuania’s Mantas Kondratavicius (7-1). In the ESPN+ co-main event, former Professional Fighters League (PFL) fighter, Brahyan Zurcher (9-0), locks horns with Murtazali Magomedov (9-0). In the “Featured” bout, the last women’s bout of Season 9 takes place as Sofia Montenegro (6-1) fights Jeisla Chaves (5-0). Former Fury FC Featherweight champion, Justice Torres (12-3), competes on five days’ notice against Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) veteran, Javier Reyes (21-5). Finally, two Brazilian Light Heavyweights clash as Rafael Tobias (13-2) hooks ’em up with Jair de Oliveira (6-0).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
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185 lbs: Mantas Kondratavicius defeats Dani Barbir via knockout (punch) Round 1, 1:06
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145 lbs: Murtazali Magomedov defeats Brahyan Zurcher via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:37
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125 lbs: Jeisla Chaves defeats Sofia Montenegro via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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145 lbs: Javier Reyes defeats Justice Torres via TKO (knees & punches) Round 1, 2:32
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205 lbs: Rafael Tobias defeats Jair de Oliveira via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 3:46
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:185 lbs: Mantas Kondratavicius defeats Dani Barbir via knockout145 lbs: Murtazali Magomedov defeats Brahyan Zurcher via knockout125 lbs: Jeisla Chaves defeats Sofia Montenegro via split decision145 lbs: Javier Reyes defeats Justice Torres via TKO205 lbs: Rafael Tobias defeats Jair de Oliveira via submissionFor more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.
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