The third week of Dana White's Contender Series delivered in a big way. All five fights were remarkably exciting, combining for one of the best episodes of the show in recent memory. Below are grades and potential UFC debut matchups for all of the week's winners who earned a contract, and a grade for the one who did not.
Flyweight: Aaron Piccininni- C-
UFC Debut Matchup: N/A
There was a monumental task ahead of Piccininni before he stepped into the octagon on Tuesday, and he deserves commendation for overcoming it. After taking the fight on less than two weeks' notice, Piccininni went the distance against a very game Jack Duffy to earn a split decision win. Unfortunately, the close nature of the contest combined with a wrestling-heavy approach left Piccininni without a UFC contract at the end of the night. It was a solid performance, but one that showed lots of holes in the Oklahoma State alum's game. Duffy consistently won the striking battle, chewing up Piccininni's calf with kicks and landing dizzying boxing combos at range. Piccininni's one answer was to wrestle, an approach that isn't popular with anyone but Daniel Cormier. He earned himself a spot at the top of the list of short-notice flyweights to call, but the decision to deprive Piccininni of a contract was the right one.
Bantamweight: Malcolm Wellmaker- B+
UFC Debut Matchup: Brian Kelleher
The UFC might have found something special in Malcolm Wellmaker. The 5'10" bantamweight delivered a face-down, butt-up one-shot knockout of Adam Bramhald, a very accomplished striker in his own right. After a finish like that a contract was all but guaranteed. Now the promotion has to find a way to promote the already-popular Wellmaker without placing him in too dangerous a matchup. A guy like Brian Kelleher is the perfect solution. Kelleher has fought some of the very best the UFC has had to offer, and the name recognition he earned from that still exists despite his recent losing skid. Wellmaker would be a heavy favorite to start his UFC run 1-0, and against a relatively recognizable name to boot.
Middleweight: Marco Tulio- B
UFC Debut Matchup: Robert Bryczek
In Tulio's second appearance at the plate, he delivered what he couldn't in his first: a highlight reel knockout that made Dana White draw up a contract. The Chute Boxe product landed a devastating spinning back kick straight to the liver of his opponent, stopping him in his tracks. However, prior to that, Tulio had had his hands full, struggling to string together combinations and manage his distance. It's clear that he's far from a finished product. Bryczek is essentially in the same boat. The Pole has only had one fight in the UFC thanks to a series of cancellations, and he's yet to prove he belongs in the octagon with elite-level competition. Stylistically, this is a dream for both men, allowing them a chance to chase a first-round finish and a performance bonus. It would make a nice addition to one of the final Apex cards of the year.
Featherweight: Bogdan Grad- B
UFC Debut Matchup: Timothy Cuamba
It isn't often that there is a clear-cut Fight of the Night on the Contender Series. Usually, there are several excellent scraps that all have a real argument, but Bogdan Grad's war with Michael Aswell left no doubt as to what was the most entertaining bout on Tuesday. The two exchanged over 250 significant strikes, one of which caused a massive gash over Aswell's left eye. Both men were hurt badly several times from body shots, head kicks, and elbows, but the fight somehow made it to the judges' scorecards. It could've gone either way, but Grad got the nod, his UFC contract, and some bonus money. It was an excellent viewing experience, so why not try to replicate it on a bigger stage? Cuamba will be more than happy to stand and trade with Grad, especially since his UFC career is likely on the line if he fails to deliver a big performance.
Middleweight: Andrey Pulyaev: A-
UFC Debut Matchup: Zachary Reese
Despite failing to score a finish or engage in a dogfight, Pulyaev was the most impressive fighter of the night. The Russian entered his matchup as a sizable underdog and proceeded to beat the brakes off of Liam Anderson, landing sniper left hands, excellent uppercuts, and a stabbing jab to outclass his opponent completely. Once it became clear that Anderson could not stand with him, the American desperately tried for a takedown, but Pulyaev displayed excellent defense time and time again, wrestling upwards and getting back to his feet continuously. After the striking instructional Pulyaev was able to put on, it makes sense to put him against a guy who can match him weapon for weapon. Reese is 2-1 in the UFC, but his two wins have come against perhaps the two worst middleweights on the roster. Pulyaev would be a step up in a banger of a fight.
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