Dana White's Contender Series 87: Grading the Winners
Dana White's Contender Series 87 executed on Tuesday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, delivering a five-fight card that the UFC matchmakers will now parse for roster additions. Now in its 10th season, the series functions as a protocol for contender extraction. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom grades each winning fighter's performance, independent of contract outcomes.
Joe Kropschot: Middleweight Submission
The opening middleweight matchup paired Joe Kropschot against Jon Kunneman. Kunneman, the early-finishing puncher, faded as the fight progressed. Kropschot executed consistent bodywork with hard teeps and transitional grappling, locking a kimura-trap armbar that broke Kunneman's arm. Dana White signed Kropschot, aligning with the UFC's business model. Expect Kropschot on an international card before year-end against Vlasto Čepo or Mantas Kondratavičius.
Tom Pagliarulo: Adversity Management
Tom Pagliarulo survived early turbulence against Ananias Malumba, who hurt him multiple times. Pagliarulo's varied offense eventually overtook Malumba, who faded in the final frame. Dana White signed the Tyson Chartier and Tiger Beetle product. Domestic booking: Steven Nguyen. International: Keiichiro Nakamura.
Bilal Hasan: Flyweight Prospect
Bilal Hasan, the biggest betting favorite in Contender Series history, dispatched Mdrigul Saikia in Round 1. The Hawaiian-born Indonesian, a southpaw-primary stance-switcher, earned a contract. The flyweight ladder lacks depth; Hasan could face Mitch Roposo or Andre Lima soon.
Abe Alsaghir: Lightweight Decision
Abe Alsaghir secured a contentious split-decision win over Fabrizio Escarrega. The fight fell below UFC lightweight standards. Alsaghir's backfoot offense, while effective, is low-percentage. Escarrega's suspect cardio is a liability. Matchmakers must improve lightweight bookings.
Anthony Wint: Heavyweight Athleticism
Anthony Wint, a former pro football player, finished Matt Adams quickly. His athletic potential is clear, but the Brendan Schaub precedent cautions against hype. Wint's smaller size is manageable if he develops wrestling. His first two bookings will likely be bonus-winning gimmies against the bottom of the heavyweight division.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White's Contender Series 87: Grading the winners.