Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) is where dreams of MMA stardom either ignite or fizzle out. But what exactly catches the UFC boss’s eye? Launched in 2017, the show has become a platform for MMA fighters to win a ticket to the biggest show on the planet. But things aren’t as simple as they might appear at first glance.

During a recent post-fight press conference, White didn’t hold back about what he looks for when considering contract offers for prospects. In his trademark unfiltered manner, the UFC head honcho proclaimed that winning or losing shouldn’t matter for the contestants. Rather, they should try to “show us what you got” and make a statement with this massive opportunity to take their first steps towards superstardom!

Dana White warns DWCS fighters about relying too much on their wrestling  

After the conclusion of DWCS 67, Dana White was asked by a reporter if he’d spoken to Ernie Juarez, a featherweight prospect who took on Jose Delgado on the night. Despite putting in a solid performance, Juarez’s dreams of a UFC contract ended via a brutal knockout in round 2.

As such, White replied by sharing that, “I did. I did, yeah. I said you got nothing to be bummed out about man. Yeah, you didn’t get to win tonight, but sometimes in losing you win, you know what I mean. And that was definitely the case with him and the main event. Both guys showed… this is about don’t come in here and  f**king run around try to you know, who are you, what do you got, show us… the whole world’s watching you tonight.”

The UFC boss isn’t wrong as despite the fight ending in the second round, the first round was an all-action affair. Both Delgado and Juarez were swinging heavy leather in the exchanges but Delgado was mixing in his takedowns causing some problems for Juarez. In the second round, Juarez appeared to be gathering some momentum before a knee from Delgado put him down and follow-up shots closed out the show.

The excitement of the affair was undeniable as White revealed in the press conference that “We trended number one in the United States and number seven worldwide.” But would the reaction be the same if it were a slow-paced, heavy wrestling affair? According to White, that’s something that fighters shouldn’t be aiming for, even if it gets them a win, because, “Nobody just wants to see guys f**king shoot and push against the cage and try to win, you know. You’re obviously talented enough to be here, show us what you got, whether you win or lose, you can show us who you are and you do that in losing sometimes too.”

The message is clear: the fans, and more importantly, Dana White, are watching. And they’re looking for more than just wrestling takedowns. They’re looking for fighters who bring the fight, who entertain, and who aren’t afraid to take risks. Because, as past DWCS alums have shown, the sky is the limit for fighters who make it to the big show!

Sean O’Malley and Jamahal Hill represent White’s ‘dream’ DWCS prospects 

It’s hard to argue against Sean O’Malley’s stardom in the UFC. The current bantamweight champion announced his arrival on the MMA scene in season one of DWCS. ‘The Suga Show’ is on a 6-fight winning streak right now, with his second title defense set to take place at the highly anticipated ‘Noche UFC’ at ‘The Sphere’. A lethal striker and a highlight reel machine, O’Malley embodies the kind of action Dana White wants to see from fighters in the DWCS.

Another massively successful name that was discovered by White during the show is Jamahal Hill. ‘Sweet Dreams’ introduced himself to the UFC fandom during season three of DWCS. On his way to claim the light heavyweight title at UFC 283, Hill ran through Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker, Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira in spectacular fashion.

Their journeys reinforce the UFC boss’s comments that in the world of DWCS, it’s not just about winning, it’s about capturing the crowd and creating moments that make you a household name. What are your thoughts on Dana White’s comments about fighters ‘shooting’ for takedowns and grinding out wins? Let us know in the comments below!