DWCS 81 is set to take place, marking the fifth week of the ten-week ninth season of the Contender Series. Since the opening week on August 11, contestants have embraced their opportunities when the cage door closes on Tuesday nights.
Competing well can lead to securing a UFC contract from CEO Dana White. In the previous event, DWCS 80, four fighters earned UFC deals after the main fights concluded.
The first half of this season of the Contender Series wraps up with DWCS 81, airing this Tuesday at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on ESPN+. This week’s event will feature five fights inside the renowned Octagon at UFC Apex.
DWCS 81 Main Event: Anthony Guarascio vs. Steven Asplund
The main event on Tuesday night showcases a heavyweight clash between undefeated Anthony Guarascio (3-0, 1 NC MMA) and Steven Asplund (5-1 MMA), a former fighter in the LFA. All matches are scheduled for a maximum of three rounds, five minutes each.
Entering DWCS 81, Guarascio hasn’t tasted defeat since his professional debut in fall 2023. In April, he achieved a first-round knockout against Bailey Schoenfelder (5-2 MMA) at Cage Fury’s CFFC 141 event. Guarascio faces a last-minute opponent change after Guilherme Pat (5-0 MMA) withdrew from the fight.
DWCS 81 Co-Main Event: Cam Teague vs. LerryAn Douglas
Next in line is the co-main event featuring Cam Teague (9-1 MMA, 0-1 DWCS) against LerryAn Douglas (12-5 MMA) at 145 lbs. Teague is looking to improve his record after a loss in his previous appearance on DWCS, where he lost by first-round knockout.
Douglas, on a winning streak, recently claimed the LFA Featherweight Championship with a second-round knockout against Elijah Johns (10-3, 1 NC MMA). As he heads into this fight, Douglas is poised to extend his impressive run to five victories.
DWCS 81: Felipe Franco vs. Freddy Vidal
In another exciting matchup, Felipe Franco (8-0 MMA) faces off against Freddy Vidal (3-0 MMA) in the light heavyweight division. Both fighters are undefeated in their professional careers, although Franco has faced multiple postponements, raising questions about potential ring rust.
Rest of the Card
DWCS 81 will also feature a lightweight fight between Chasen Blair (7-3 MMA) and Samuel Sanches (10-1 MMA), along with a strawweight bout between Shanelle Dyer (6-0 MMA) and Carol Dyer (8-1 MMA). Which match are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments.
