UFC ‘Contender Series’ results, live coverage and full fight highlights | Season 8, Ep. 9

It’s that time!

Contender Series keeps rolling on for two more weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. Week nine 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, and his cadre of matchmakers.

As has become standard for the program of late, all five fighters earned UFC contracts last week.

In the main event this evening, Alex Pereira slayer, Artem Vakhitov (2-1), takes on French viral knockout artist, Islem Masraf (3-0). Vakhitov is the last person to defeat Pereira in kickboxing. In the co-main event, Kody Steele (6-0) — whose opponent quit because of a panic attack — returns to the show, taking on Chasen Blair (6-2). The “Featured” bout sees Heavyweights clash as Mario Pinto (8-0) takes on Lucas Camacho (6-0). Islam Dulatov (10-1) — who was supposed to compete on week one — fights Vanilto Antunes (16-8). Last, and certainly not least, two Australian champions kick off the card as Anthony Drilich (8-1) fights Sean Gauci (9-1), who has a win over Steve Erceg.

‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:

Artem Vakhitov defeats Islem Masraf via knockout (punch) Round 1, 2:23
Kody Steele defeats Chasen Blair via knockout (body punch) Round 2, 4:07
Mario Pinto defeats Lucas Camacho via knockout (punch) Round 1, 1:43
Islam Dulatov defeats Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) Round 1, 2:44
Sean Gauci defeats Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28x3)

‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:

185 lbs.: Artem Vakhitov defeats Islem Masraf via knockout

155 lbs.: Kody Steele defeats Chasen Blair via knockout

265 lbs.: Mario Pinto defeats Lucas Camacho via knockout

170 lbs.: IIslam Dulatov defeats Vanilto Antunes via knockout

125 lbs.: Sean Gauci defeats Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision

For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.