Ortega and Dasuyev Earned UFC Contracts

The welterweight prospects secured roster spots following their hard-fought three-round bout in Las Vegas.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

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Jaden Ortega and Alvi Dasuyev both earned UFC contracts after a competitive three-round welterweight bout at Dana White's Contender Series. Despite facing an early setback, both fighters impressed the promotion's leadership enough to secure their spots on the roster.

Why it matters

Securing a UFC contract through the Contender Series is a primary pathway for professional prospects to reach the sport's highest stage. By demonstrating resilience and technical skill over a full three-round distance, Ortega and Dasuyev validated their potential in front of talent evaluators.

Jaden Ortega entered the cage with a 6-1 professional record, while Alvi Dasuyev maintained an undefeated 10-0 standing. The bout lasted the full duration of three rounds before a unanimous decision was reached.

The players

Jaden Ortega

He is a professional mixed martial artist from Spokane who holds a 6-1 career record.

Alvi Dasuyev

He is an undefeated professional fighter with a 10-0 record who competed in the welterweight division.

Dana White

He is the chief executive officer of the UFC and the primary talent scout for the Contender Series.

The details

Ortega demonstrated notable resilience during the match, overcoming a first-round knockdown to complete the three-round distance against the undefeated Dasuyev. Their performance during the prospect event convinced Dana White to offer professional contracts to both athletes.

The bout took place on September 22, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The addition of these two welterweight prospects expands the depth of the 170-pound division as the promotion seeks to identify future title contenders. Their successful transition from the Contender Series signals an ongoing commitment to recruiting undefeated or high-potential regional talent.

Both fighters will now enter the UFC welterweight rankings pool, potentially impacting future matchups in a crowded division. Their records and recent performance suggest they will be slotted into preliminary card slots for upcoming events.

The takeaway

Success in prospect bouts often hinges on an athlete's ability to recover from early errors, as demonstrated by Ortega's ability to bounce back from his knockdown. Fighters who prove they can go the distance in high-pressure environments are significantly more likely to catch the eye of major promoters.