3 DWCS signees who didn’t deliver in their UFC careers

3 DWCS signees who didn't deliver in their UFC careers

As a long-time follower of MMA, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for these aspiring fighters who step into the Octagon with high hopes and dreams, only to face a series of disappointments.

As a die-hard MMA fan, I can’t help but marvel at how stepping into Dana White’s Contender Series ring feels like walking through a golden gateway to the UFC. This platform has been instrumental in kickstarting the careers of numerous fighters who have made their mark in the UFC, such as Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, Johnny Walker, and more. However, while the show has birthed many success stories, it’s important to remember that not every fighter who secures a contract after their victory here goes on to achieve greatness within the Octagon.

Among the alumni of DW Contender Series (DWCS), some have found it challenging to leave a lasting impact, despite the impressive start they made. The following three fighters impressed during their time on DWCS, but their performance in the UFC fell short of expectations. These are the three signees from DWCS who failed to meet the mark in their UFC careers.

Jamie Pickett

Initially, Jamie Pickett made his debut on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) on July 11, 2017. During the first season of this show, he battled Charles Byrd in a significant career matchup. Regrettably, in the opening round, Pickett suffered a submission loss and missed out on securing a UFC contract. Despite this setback, Pickett persevered and returned to the local circuit, amassing numerous victories along the way. These triumphs earned him another opportunity on DWCS, which took place on June 18, 2019. Unfortunately, in his second attempt, he encountered Punahele Soriano and lost via unanimous decision.

After facing several setbacks, Pickett’s unwavering determination eventually proved fruitful. On August 25, 2020, Pickett fought again in DWCS, taking center stage against Jhonoven Pati. His performance was exceptional, leading to a second-round TKO victory. This triumph finally secured him a UFC contract, the result of years filled with diligence and commitment. All that remained for him was to shine in the UFC Octagon.

On December 19, 2020, Pickett’s initial UFC match occurred during UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal against Tafon Nchukwi. Regrettably, the contest didn’t favor Pickett, as he lost via unanimous decision after three rounds. Subsequently, on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262, Pickett faced Jordan Wright in his next bout. However, this fight turned out to be even more challenging for Pickett, ending with a first-round knockout by Wright.

On October 23, 2021, during UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori, Pickett scored his initial UFC win against Laureano Staropoli. The contest ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Pickett. Following this victory, he showcased the momentum by competing against debutant Joseph Holmes on January 15, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 32. Once again, Pickett took home the win via unanimous decision, suggesting that he had found his ground in the promotion.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while Pickett initially made a splash, his victorious streak was unfortunately brief. On an unforgettable night of UFC Fight Night 201, February 19, 2022, I found myself cheering him on as he stepped in at the last minute to face Kyle Daukaus, replacing Julian Marquez. Unfortunately, the tide turned swiftly against Pickett, as Daukaus dominated the match, securing a first-round submission victory via a D’Arce choke.

At UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, Pickett encountered a rising prospect named Bo Nickal. Unfortunately for Pickett, the match ended in the first round with an arm-triangle choke submission, marking his third consecutive loss. Despite anticipation of a comeback, Pickett’s next fight against Josh Fremd on August 12, 2023, during UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos, also resulted in a setback. Fremd, who was overweight by four pounds, managed to secure a unanimous decision victory. This loss extended Pickett’s losing streak even further.

On March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 238, Michael Pickett fought Eryk Anders, which was his last bout before retiring from MMA. Regrettably, this farewell match ended in a fifth consecutive unanimous decision loss for him. After the fight, he officially declared his retirement from mixed martial arts.

Vinicius Moreira

Following impressive performances in Brazil’s regional MMA scene and India’s Super Fight League, Vinicius Moreira was given a chance to demonstrate his abilities at Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil. On August 11, 2018, during the third episode of the Brazil edition of Dana White’s Contender Series, Moreira battled John Allan. Moreira clinched a second-round submission victory using a triangle choke, thereby winning a sought-after UFC contract. With his exceptional grappling skills on showcase, there were high expectations for Moreira as he moved into the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

Stepping into the UFC octagon for the first time against Alonzo Menifield on January 19, 2019, during UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw, I was filled with anticipation. With a promising backstory, I was ready to make my mark. However, my debut turned into a letdown as Menifield managed to knock me out in the first round via technical knockout. Fast forward to June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos, I faced Eryk Anders. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my rhythm, and once again, I was defeated – this time by a first-round knockout.

In September 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens, Moreira suffered his third consecutive defeat when he faced Paul Craig. Craig, known for his submission skills, applied a first-round rear-naked choke. Following this loss, Moreira was expected to fight Modestas Bukauskas on July 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172, but he had to withdraw due to testing positive for COVID-19. Later, in January 2021, Moreira received a warning from USADA after testing positive for anastrozole during an out-of-competition test. However, this was later found to be due to a contaminated supplement.

On January 20, 2021, Moreira battled Ike Villanueva at UFC on ESPN: Magny vs. Chiesa. Despite his best attempts, Moreira was KO’d in the second round, marking his fourth straight defeat. A few weeks later, on February 4, 2021, it was disclosed that Moreira was let go from his UFC agreement. Although his UFC stint didn’t meet expectations, he continues to compete in MMA, determinedly seeking redemption.

JP Buys

JP Buys drew attention to himself within the UFC as a versatile and formidable contender, recognized for his proficiency in wrestling and submissions. He had previously participated in the fourth season of DWCS (Dana White’s Contender Series). In his debut match, Buys successfully submitted Jacob Silva in the first round, thereby securing a contract with the UFC.

As a devoted fan, I was thrilled when I learned that my favorite newcomer, Buys, was set to make his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Holland on March 20, 2021. However, the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for as Bruno Silva knocked him out in the second round, marking an unfortunate start to Buys’ UFC career. Fast forward to UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann on September 18, 2021, where Buys faced Montel Jackson. Despite a valiant effort, I watched as Jackson took home a unanimous decision victory over three rounds, adding another win to his record against my beloved Buys.

At UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot on June 25, 2022, Cody Durden was set to compete against Buys. Unfortunately, Buys lost via a technical knockout in the first round. Later, at UFC Fight Night: Luque vs. Dos Anjos on August 12, 2023, Buys encountered Marcus McGhee. A right hook in the opening round resulted in another loss for Buys, marking his fourth fight in the UFC with no victories to his name.

Since that fight, Buys hasn’t engaged in any more bouts. His 0-4 win-loss record in the UFC highlights a harsh truth: winning on Dana White’s Contender Series doesn’t automatically ensure success in the UFC.

2024-08-13 04:14