Week three of Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) went exactly to plan, with five knockouts and five new UFC signees, including one notable heavyweight.
Serving as the core talent funnel for UFC fighters, DWCS runs for several weeks of the year, featuring five fights every Tuesday. UFC Boss White decides on the spot whether the athletes deserve a basic contract in the UFC, usually depending on their finishing ability and drive to win.
"The world's hardest job interview" is what DWCS has coined for its fights, and it has produced some champions like Sean O'Malley and Jamahal Hill. The latest round of fighters to join the promotion are handy on their feet.
Next stop, the Octagon
— UFC (@ufc) August 27, 2025
Here are the #DWCS contract winners from Week 3! pic.twitter.com/TA0ssaSLib
6-0 heavyweight Donte Johnson earned a UFC contract by knocking out Darion Abbey, a fighter five inches taller. Johnson, standing at 5'9" in the heavy man division, weighed in at just three pounds over the light heavyweight limit.
Johnson fought at light heavyweight in his last two appearances and will likely compete at 205 when he officially joins the roster. 'Lock Jaw' cut his teeth in Anthony Pettis' fight promotion, where he lost one fight as an amateur in 2023. He has won six fights in the first round since August 2024.
TOOK HIM JUST OVER A MINUTE
— UFC (@ufc) August 27, 2025
Donte Johnson came out and delivered the quick TKO to start off #DWCS Week 3! pic.twitter.com/XSbZGGL26R
"Donte, I didn't get to see much of your game, because you made it look easy," White told Johnson after the event. "You took this fight on short notice, I love your enthusiasm, and I loved your performance. Congratulations..."
WHAT THIS SHOW IS ALL ABOUT @DanaWhite welcomes the newest fighters to the roster after an epic night of #DWCS! pic.twitter.com/iUuLF2HXlS
— UFC (@ufc) August 27, 2025
White also signed four other fighters to the promotion.
• UFC confirms banger debut fight for two-division MMA champion at UFC Paris
• Top contender cut from UFC this week already set for new fight
• UFC reveals stacked main card for Alex Pereira's next fight
• Jon Jones lashes out at UFC rival for disputing his MMA GOAT status
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