Contender Series Week 8 Recap and Reactions

Week eight of Dana White’s Contender Series 2021 went down last night on ESPN+. After continuing to be generous with contracts, White signed four more fighters during week 8. The four fighters signed to the UFC were Armen Petrosyan, Caio Borralho, Piera Rodriguez, and Jonny Parsons. The only winner White passed on was Pedro Falcao. Week 8 ended up being one of the most intriguing Contender Series cards of the year. Let’s take a look at the full recap and reactions.

Pedro Falcao denied contract to start Contender Series week 8

Falcao (15-3) took on 39-year-old James Barnes (14-5) in the opening bout of the fight card. Barnes was older than the average DWCS competitor but proved to be game early on. Falcao was finding success throughout the fight grappling. The problem was that he wasn’t doing enough damage. Barnes continued to fight back and found himself in vulnerable positions throughout the bout. In the third round, Falcao found himself in top-mount and finished Barnes with ground and pound. Unfortunately, White did not give Falcao a UFC contract.

Armen Petrosyan shuts off the lights to secure contract

Secondly, Petrosyan (6-1) went up against Kaloyan Kolev (10-1). Both fighters came out aggressive early and started to land big shots. Petrosyan showed durability early by taking damage and wearing it well. Kolev faded slightly in the first round, allowing Petrosyan to take over. Petrosyan landed a beautiful combo and finished with a head kick to drop Kolev. He followed up with heavy punches to completely KO Kolev and secure the first-round finish. Undoubtedly, Petrosyan was awarded the UFC contract because of his aggression and durability.

Caio Borralho makes a statement in his return to the Contender Series

Thirdly, Borralho (10-1) returned to the Contender Series for the second time in one month. This time around, Borralho went up against Jesse Murray (8-4). As soon as the fight started, Borralho came out pissed. He immediately started unloading heavy combos with relentless pressure. Borralho knocked down Murray quickly and finished the bout in less than two minutes. Without a doubt, Borralho earned his UFC contract the second time around. Borralho’s personality and fighting potential stole the show.

Piera Rodriguez shows potential to damage in the UFC

Fourthly, Rodriguez (7-0) took on Valesca Machado in the co-main event. Both fighters were well-rounded and showed off top-tier talent. Overall, Rodriguez vs. Machado was the best matchup on the card. They continued to go back and forth the entire fight. After going the distance, Rodriguez won by unanimous decision. Nobody would have argued against both fighters getting a contract, but White awarded only Rodriguez. Safe to say, Rodriguez is a fighter to watch in the UFC strawweight division.

Jonny Parsons left everything in the cage to earn his contract

Lastly, highly-touted prospect Solomon Renfro (8-2) took on Jonny Parsons (8-2). Although Parsons came in as a betting underdog, he showed early that he was game. Renfro landed around 20 straight punches immediately, but Parsons weathered the storm. Parsons turned the fight around in the second round and took over in the third. Ultimately, most people thought Renfro won round one and two. That was not the case as Parsons won by split decision. Parsons vs. Renfro was another fight where both fighters could have earned a contract. White awarded only Parsons a contract. Parson is officially the new dark horse in the UFC welterweight division.