Dana White: 'Double the Amount' of Contender Series Likely with New Rights Deal

Dana White's Contender Series fans rejoice: More content is likely on the way.

At the UFC Baku post-fight press conference, Dana White indicated that the show, which has provided the Las Vegas-based promotion with a pipeline of talent in recent years, will be significantly increasing the amount of events it holds.

The subject came up when White was asked about the possibility of a Belarusian prospect, who was apparently in attendance at Saturday’s event, making it into the UFC.

“If the guy is that good and he’s beat some notable people, the matchmakers probably have seen him. I know the gentleman you’re talking about, that I met,” White said.

“Not to mention the fact, as we go into our new TV rights deal, we’re probably gonna end up doing double the amount of Contender Series fights that we do now. Stay active, keep winning and fight notable people so you can get noticed, and you will definitely make it to the Contender Series.”

The Contender Series debuted in 2017 with eight events from July 11 to Aug. 15 of that year. By the third season, it had expanded to 10 events. Tha has remained the norm as the Contender Series has moved forward, with the show completing its eighth season this past October.

UFC Boss Hints More Contender Series Fights Are Coming

The UFC’s broadcast rights deal with ESPN concludes at the end of this year. White recently told the Sports Business Journal that while the new rights negotiations could extend into September, it’s likely that the promotion’s content will be split among several broadcast partners. It now appears that one of those outlets could receive an increased amount of Contender Series fights once everything is finalized.

“Everything is going well—we’re happy with all the discussions we’re having,” White said told SBJ. “I don’t know—I don’t know yet, but yes, it’s likely [we end up with multiple partners].”