Mateus Soares secures UFC contract at Contender Series #9

The ninth edition of the UFC Contender Series featured several high-impact performances, including four first-round finishes. Brazilian fighter Mateus Soares (12-2) secured a UFC contract after a 63-second TKO victory over Japan’s Ryuho Miyaguchi. Soares, a student of former heavyweight title challenger Pedro Rizzo, described the win as a “dream come true” after pursuing the goal since age seven.

Other notable winners who received UFC contracts from Dana White include Roque Conceicao, who defeated Alexander Chavez via triangle choke, and Salhahuddin Everett, who secured a first-round knockout against Ozzy Martin. Additionally, Preston LaGrange earned a contract by defeating Nella Ariano in the event's main fight. While most winners were awarded deals, Alivia Bierley did not receive an invitation to the UFC following her opening bout.