It’s that time again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Sept. 29, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, 6’4” Lightweight, Loai Abushaar (7-1), takes on Paddy Pimblett teammate, George Staines (10-0). The co-main event sees Heavyweights collide as Zaurbek Sabanov (4-0) fights Adama Diop (6-1). In the “Featured” bout, Cage Warriors standout, Luca Borando (9-1), hooks ‘em up with Ian Escuza (7-0). LFA women’s Strawweight champion, Aieza Bertolso (7-0) fights Camila Reynoso (9-1), who was cut from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 33. Finally, the opening bout between former K-1 kickboxer Ilias Bulaid (9-0) versus LFA Featherweight champion, Erick Visconde (17-3), has been postponed until Ep. 10 in two weeks (details below).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
- Loai Abushaar vs. George Staines — Staines defeats Abushaar via KO (slam) Round 1, 1:01 (HIGHLIGHTS!)
- Zaurbek Sabanov vs. Adama Diop — Diop defeats Sabanov via TKO Round 2, 2:33
- Luca Borando vs. Ian Escuza — Escuza defeats Borando via TKO (knees) Round 1, 0:32
- Camila Reynoso vs. Aieza Bertolso — Bertolso defeats Reynoso via submission (D’arce) Round 1, 3:02
Ilias Bulaid vs. Erick Visconde— Postponed (details below)
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
155 lbs.: Staines defeats Abushaar via KO
265 lbs.: Zaurbek Sabanov vs. Adama Diop
145 lbs.: Escuza defeats Borando via TKO
115 lbs.: Bertolso defeats Reynoso via submission
145 lbs.: Ilias Bulaid vs. Erick Visconde
Bulaid has been sidelined last-minute with an illness and this bout has already ben rescheduled for Ep. 10 in two weeks.
