Conceição Will Face Chavez in Contender Series Week 9

Flyweight Roque Conceição returns to the UFC Apex to challenge undefeated fighter Alexander Chavez.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive illustration of two mixed martial arts fighters in a dynamic, brush-stroke style clash during an intense bout.
Roque Conceição will face undefeated Alexander Chavez in a flyweight bout during Week 9 of the 2026 Dana White's Contender Series. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Roque Conceição will make his second appearance on Dana White's Contender Series during Week 9 of the 2026 season. He is set to face the undefeated Alexander Chavez in a flyweight bout at the UFC Apex.

Why it matters

This matchup offers Conceição a path back to a high-level contract after his 2025 debut loss, while Chavez attempts to maintain his unblemished record against a title-holding opponent.

Roque Conceição enters the flyweight division contest at 125 pounds, holding professional titles from Ragnrok Combate and Demo Fight. His opponent, Alexander Chavez, enters with six knockout or technical knockout victories within his nine professional wins.

The players

Roque Conceição

A 26-year-old Brazilian flyweight fighter who holds professional titles from regional promotions Ragnrok Combate and Demo Fight.

Alexander Chavez

An undefeated fighter with a 9-0 record representing the Lima, Peru-based Inka MMA promotion.

Dana White

The CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship who oversees the talent-scouting Contender Series events.

The details

Conceição, a 26-year-old fighter, earned this opportunity following a victory over Yamato Fujita in March 2026. He will look to redeem himself after being defeated by Imanol Rodriguez in the first round of his debut Contender Series fight in 2025.

Timeline

  1. Roque Conceição began his professional career in 2019.

  2. The first Contender Series fight for Conceição took place in 2025, Week 9.

  3. Conceição defeated Yamato Fujita in March 2026.

  4. The upcoming bout against Chavez occurs during 2026, Week 9.

Season Trajectory

This fight impacts the flyweight pipeline for the promotion as it continues the talent-acquisition cycle established by Dana White's Contender Series. It serves as a proving ground for international champions to transition into the global competitive landscape.

Conceição must overcome his previous first-round knockout loss to remain relevant in the flyweight playoff picture. Chavez looks to validate his 9-0 record against international competition to secure a roster spot.

The takeaway

Fighters like Conceição often utilize high-stakes bouts to pivot their careers after setbacks. Undefeated fighters like Chavez face their toughest scrutiny when stepping into the spotlight of a premier developmental league.

Further reading

For more on upcoming bouts, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cageside Press.