Dana White’s Contender Series ‘Season 2, Week 8’ Play-by-Play & Results

Marty Coughran vs. Alex Gilpin

Round 1

The featherweights spend the first minute exchanging on the feet with both fighters swinging hard and landing glancing shots, Gilpin switching stances repeatedly. Halfway through the round, Coughran is landing with more frequency and power, stinging Gilpin with leg kicks, body shots and the occasional high kick or spinning back kick. Gilpin is cut over the right eye. With 90 seconds to go, Gilpin stumbles Coughran with a punch and attempts to flurry, but Coughran doesn’t appear seriously rocked. With less than 30 seconds left, Gilpin times a spinning attack and takes Coughran down straight onto his back, but Coughran escapes quickly and they end the round on the feet. 10-9 Coughran.

Round 2

To start Round 2, Gilpin’s left leg is showing the effects of the repeated kicks it absorbed in the first. Almost immediately, Coughran lands a hard kick to that leg that spins Gilpin halfway around. After a minute, Gilpin takes Coughran down and immediately works for a D'Arce choke, moving from side control to mount. Referee Chris Tognoni steps in and breaks up the action, as Coughran tapped out of the camera shot. Sharp comeback and tight grappling by Gilpin after getting the worst of the striking exchanges for nearly a round and a half.

The Official Result

Alex Gilpin def. J.R. Coughran via Submission (D'Arce Choke) R2 1:55

Jacob Kilburn vs. Bobby Moffett

Round 1

Moffett lands a hard right in the first 15 seconds. Kilburn responds with a spinning back fist that misses, and Moffett trips him to the floor. A minute in, Moffett is working from half guard to mount, applying heavy pressure. Moffett frames an arm-triangle choke from half-guard, but Kilburn defends well. With two minutes left, Moffett moves to full mount, still working on the arm-triangle while throwing sporadic punches. With 45 seconds left, Moffett leaves off the choke and starts throwing elbows and forearms. Kilburn stuffs him back to half-guard in the last 30 seconds, and they are still there when the horn sounds. Complete domination by Bobby Moffett. 10-8 Moffett.

Round 2

Fifteen seconds in, Kilburn throws a spinning back kick that lands on Moffett’s shoulder, allowing him to hustle the Tennessean to the ground with ease. In seconds, Moffett is working for an D’Arce choke and escapes Kilburn’s guard to move to north-south. The tap comes quickly, and we have our second straight D’Arce finish.

The Official Result

Bobby Moffett def. Jacob Kilburn via Submission (D'Arce Choke) R2 1:02

Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Dennis Bryant

Round 1

Nzechukwu and Bryant begin feeling each other out on the feet, the Nigerian standing southpaw against the orthodox Bryant. Nzechukwu towers over the Alaskan and quickly finds the range. He stings Bryant with a left high kick that leaves him on the canvas, but appears to call a blow to the back of the head on himself. Referee Herb Dean assures him he can continue fighting, and Bryant stands up. A few seconds later he catches the shorter man with another flush left high kick. Bryant crumples to the canvas and, after a half-dozen standing-to-ground punches, Dean steps in for the stoppage. Quick night of work for the second-biggest favorite on the card.

The Official Result

Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Dennis Bryant via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) R1 1:48

Joseph Lowry vs. Devonte Smith

Round 1

The lightweights, both orthodox, immediately set to throwing with intent. While both fighters land, the most effective strikes in the first two minutes are Smith’s right low kicks. Lowry’s left calf is bright red halfway through the round. Smith is also landing a stinging jab, showing his speed advantage. Lowry shoots for a double against the fence. Smith sprawls, wide-legged, and blasts Lowry with a series of lateral elbows to the side of the head. After three or four, Lowry’s knees buckle and referee Tognoni steps in, handing the Northeastern prospect his first loss. Replay shows the elbow shots to be clean and legal. Quick and decisive win for Devonte Smith.

The Official Result

Devonte Smith def. Joseph Lowry via TKO (Elbows) R1 2:52

Greg Hardy vs. Tebaris Gordon

Round 1

Hardy wades in and immediately begins thrashing Gordon with hooks and straights. Gordon tries throwing back for a few seconds, but quickly withers under the pressure, reach and superior power of the former NFL All-Pro. A right hook to the temple wilts Gordon and referee Herb Dean is charging in already, though Hardy manages to land one or two more shots before Dean arrives. Impressive performance by man who may be a full-fledged UFC heavyweight in a few minutes.

The Official Result

Greg Hardy def. Tebaris Gordon via TKO (Punches) R1 0:17