UFC 270 welcomed the promotional debut for five contract winners from Season 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). How did the DWCS 2021 alumni fare in the octagon?
Jasmine Jasudavicius
Opening the fight card, Jasmine Jasudavicius met Kay Hansen in a Women’s Flyweight contest. The matchup was Hansen’s first UFC fight at 125lbs, and as the bout got underway, it was immediately apparent that Jasudavicius boasted a significant height and length advantage. However, rather that capitalising on this advantage by utilising range, Jasudavicius opted for the grappling approach. Displaying a tremendous takedown defence, Jasudavicius herself admitted post-fight that she was keen to take a safe, calculated approach, and felt good with her grappling. Ultimately, it was a decision that paid off, as despite entering the contest as a +190 underdog, it was Jasudavicius who triumphed with the unanimous decision victory.
Genaro Valdéz
Genaro Valdéz entered his debut as a +170 underdog (per Tapology) against a tough opponent in American Lightweight Matt Frevola. An unbelievable pace was established immediately, as both fighters traded shots in an incredible frenzy. It was Frevola who found most success, connecting well and knocking down Valdéz four times. Valdéz showcased tremendous heart, and continued swinging despite enduring punishment. It was relentless ground-and-pound from Frevola that secured the stoppage at 3 minutes and 15 seconds of the first round, but Valdéz played his part in a thoroughly entertaining fight.
Saimon Oliveira
It was a frustrating debut for Saimon Oliveira, who struggled to pose a significant threat to Tony Gravely. Entering the bout as a +200 underdog (per Tapology), Oliveira appeared to have locked a tight guillotine in the first round, but Gravely broke free and delivered a dominant ground game interlaced with ground-and-pound. The first round essentially set the narrative for the fight; Gravely was superior in the grappling, yet Oliveira repeatedly attempted the guillotine to no success. Hints of striking talent from Oliveira were evident, but Oliveira could never find rhythm, as Gravely simply would change levels to facilitate the take down; indeed, Gravely secured 11 takedowns across the three rounds. It was a loss for Oliveira, as Gravely deservedly won the contest via unanimous decision.
Jack Della Maddalena
It was a sensational debut from Jack Della Maddalena, who delivered a composed yet calculated performance. Maddalena found great range to evade the striking of Pete Rodriguez, whilst landing strikes of his own. Showcasing incredible use of the right jab, Maddalena bloodied Rodriguez within two minutes of the opening round. With a counter left, Maddalena dropped Rodriguez. After delivering three further punches to his downed opponent, Maddalena secured the TKO stoppage at 2 minutes and 59 seconds of the first round.
Michael Morales
Opening the main card, Michael Morales weathered some early adversity, absorbing a number of Trevin Giles’ low kicks, before suffering both a knockdown and a takedown. The tide turned, however, when Morales countered Giles with a right hand to the temple, rocking Giles. Amongst a flurry of strikes, Morales dropped Giles before unleashing an onslaught of relentless punches to his grounded opponent, securing the TKO stoppage at 4 minutes and 1 second of the first round.
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