Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com’s various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.
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).
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:
- 185 lbs: Dani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavicius
- 145 lbs: Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov
- 125 lbs: Sofia Montenegro vs. Jeisla Chaves
- 145 lbs: Javier Reyes defeats Justice Torres via TKO (knees & punches) Round 1, 2:32
- 205 lbs: Rafael Tobias defeats Jair de Oliveira via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 3:46
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
185 lbs: Dani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavicius
145 lbs: Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov
125 lbs: Sofia Montenegro vs. Jeisla Chaves
145 lbs: Javier Reyes defeats Justice Torres via TKO
205 lbs: Rafael Tobias defeats Jair de Oliveira via submission
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.
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