LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Adama Diop of Senegal and Zaurbek Sabanov of Russia go to the official weigh-ins during Week 8 of the tenth season of Dana White’s Contender Series at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino on September 28, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
It’s that time again!
Contender series is back for 10 consecutive weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 19.00 ET TONIGHT (Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026) is Paramount+.
In the main event, a 6’4″ lightweight, Type Abushaar (7-1), takes over Paddy Pimblett teammate, George Staines (10-0). Heavyweights collide in the main event Zaurbek Sabanov (4-0) fights Adama Diop (6-1). In the featured match, the Cage Warriors’ eyes shine Luca Borando (9-1), connects them to it Ian Escuza (7-0). LFA Women’s Strawweight Champion, Aieza Bertolso (7-0) fights Camila Reynoso (9-1), who was cut The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 33. Finally, an opening battle between a former K-1 kickboxer Ilias Bulaid (9-0) vs. LFA Featherweight Champion, Eric Visconde (17-3), has been postponed until Ep. 10 in two weeks (details below).
“Contender Series” Quick Results:
- Loai Abushaar vs. George Staines— Staines defeated Abushaar by KO (slam) at 1:01 of round 1 (REASONS!)
- Zaurbek Sabanov vs Adama Diop — Diop defeated Sabanov via TKO at 2:33 of the 2nd round
- Luca Borando vs. Ian Escuza — Escuza defeated Borando by TKO (knees) at 0:32 of the 1st round
- Camila Reynoso vs. Aieza Bertolso — Bertolso defeated Reynoso by submission (D’arce) at 3:02 of round 1
Ilias Bulaid vs. Erick Visconde— Postponed (details below)
“Contender Series” highlights and results:
155 pounds: Staines defeats Abushaar via KO
265 pounds: Zaurbek Sabanov vs Adama Diop
145 pounds: Escuza defeats Borando via TKO
115 pounds: Bertolso defeats Reynoso by submission
145 pounds: Ilias Bulaid vs. Erick Visconde
Bulaid has been pulled out at the last minute due to illness and this match has already been rescheduled for Ep. 10 in two weeks.