Dana White’s Contender Series returning June 12 incl. Nick Newell

The second season of “Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series” will begin June 12 with 8 two-hour episodes in store for avid Fight Pass viewers.

Season 1 saw great success with 17 fighters offered UFC contracts including the likes of Sean O’Malley, Mike Santiago and Charles Byrd. The Contender Series gives successful fighters from their respective regional scenes the chance to showcase their skills for a prospective UFC contract. All fights are over three rounds with five fights at each event. The upcoming season for the first time will include a series of shows with Brazilian fighters, taking place between August 9-11.

Snoop Dogg provided alternate commentary for the previous season, with mixed responses from MMA fans. Some loved his outlandish and wild style on the mic with others feeling his lack of MMA expertise offered nothing interesting to the show. He hasn’t been confirmed for the second season as of yet.

Confirmed fighters scheduled to appear this season include congenital amputee Nick Newell, former NFL player Greg Hardy and Antonina Shevchenko (sister of Valentina Shevchenko). Nick Newell has been confirmed to be fighting on July 24th, holding a 14-1 record with his only loss to current UFC fighter Justin Gaethje is considered somewhat of shoe-in for a UFC contract. The talented 32-year-old now has his chance to showcase to Dana White what he is capable of.

Greg Hardy is a controversial pick for the show to many, the former NFL defensive-end was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, and sentenced to 18 months probation. The charges were later dropped but the arrest and trial created an expected high amount of controversy. The amateur fighter holds a 3-0 record with all his wins coming via KO within the first round. Hardy will be making his pro debut on the first card taking place on June 12th.

Antonina Shevchenko is a less controversial pick but one which still carries a great deal of attention. The older sister of current 125lb UFC contender Valentina Shevchenko, Antonina holds a 3-0 MMA record paired with an impressive 39-1 kickboxing record. Making her debut at 135lbs, could we one day see the first sibling UFC champions in their respective divisions.