Dana White’s Contender Series 10 took place Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on UFC Fight Pass from The Ultimate Fighter Gym in Las Vegas.

With a refreshing but digestible format that has fans of the sport responding, this series has shown to have legs beyond its summer seasons while serving as a crockpot for contenders whom the UFC matchmakers can use for future events. With that trend in mind, I’ve decided to take a look at the winning fighters regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract while grading their performances in regards to their probability of returning to a UFC stage. And with this most recent show setting a record in rewarded contracts, I also touch on the prospects of each winner’s ventures into his respective division.

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Dwight Grant

Weight class: Welterweight

Result: Dwight Grant def. Tyler Hill by second-round knockout

Grade: B

Summary: It’s admittedly hard to not want to give a guy an A for going out there and finishing his opponent in a high-pressure situation, but given the gamut of possible outcomes and performances, I believe this is a somewhat generous grade.

Dwight Grant, who had not fought professionally in nearly two years, got off to a bit of a slow start. The layoff – coupled with his countering style – ended up producing a first round that primarily saw Grant trying to find his range on a pressuring Tyler Hill. Displaying the origin of his moniker of “Zombie” with his come-forward style, Hill allowed Grant many opportunities to measure his right hand, something that Michael Bisping was commenting on from the booth while calling for a follow-up shot to be attached.

Sure enough, after some excellent cornering by AKA’s Javier Mendez, Grant came out in the second round more dialed in than before, and he scored the right hand he was looking for while attaching a show-stopping left hook for the finish. Considering the limited shot selection displayed by the 33-year-old, he could hit some rough waters in the ocean that is the UFC welterweight division. However, his shown counter wrestling (albeit briefly) could further fuel his natural knockout ability and striking prowess.

But whatever improvements Grant may make, he’ll need to make them quickly. Like White alluded to when announcing him as a contract winner, you see few fighters in their 30s in regards to who they’re looking at for contenders. That said, Grant displays the composure, athleticism and exposure to MMA knowledge at AKA that will serve him well for what’s ahead.

Ryan Spann

Weight class: Light heavyweight

Result: Ryan Spann def. Emiliano Sordi by first-round submission

Grade: A

Summary: Despite being the shortest fight of the evening, Ryan Spann crammed a lot into what was ultimately just a 26-second showing.

After having his chances cut short by Karl Roberson on the previous season of Dana White’s Contender Series, Spann accrued three consecutive stoppage victories in LFA, which earned him his shot at redemption (a theme we should expect to see more of going forward). Taking that momentum into the intimate TUG Gym setting, Spann demonstrated excellent mobility on the feet, feinting and feeling his foe with offense.

Once Spann landed a clean counter right, Emiliano Sordi desperately committed for a takedown, which in turn opened his neck for business. Spann smartly recognized this and used his 81-inch reach to wrap his opponent’s neck for a guillotine that – thankfully for him – requires length to apply. Pushing on the wrist of his choking hand, Spann used his arm like a paper cutter while closing off the circulation of Sordi, who tapped.

Considering Spann showed counter striking and submission skills in less than 30 seconds, it’s hard to give him an outright A in my book. And with the matchmakers admittedly looking to fill their once-rich light-heavyweight ranks, Spann’s successful second attempt on DWCS was a shoo-in for a contract.

Austin Springer

Weight class: Featherweight

Result: Austin Springer def. Giga Chikadze by third-round submission

Grade: B

Summary: In a record-breaking night of contract rewards that saw White doing a near-Oprah impression, it’s hard not to feel for Austin Springer – the lone fighter not to receive the call.

Springer, who drew Glory kickboxing talent Giga Chikadze, was one of the bigger underdogs on the card. Still, the Washington native was determined to make good on his second try to get into the UFC after losing an entry bout to Chris Gruetzmacher on “The Ultimate Fighter 22.”

Chikadze, who trains with master Rafael Cordeiro at Kings MMA, came out throwing impactful kicks that seemed to set an early tone. But after Springer realized he could work with what was coming his way, his confidence steadily grew.

Although Chikadze demonstrated somewhat-surprising takedown defense, his tendency to get overzealous with kicks got him countered with takedowns on multiple occasions. And in the third frame, Chikadze – who had not experienced this type of pressure since his debut loss to Gil Guardado – clearly caved into the grappling pressure being applied by Springer.

Regardless if it’s big or small, overcoming adversity, in my opinion, shows much more than a quick first-round finish. Springer may feel like he’s been left out in the cold without a door to get back in, but it’s far from the last day of summer, nor the series. Whether it’s this season or the next, I would not be surprised to see Springer brought back for another swing at bat.

Anthony Hernandez

Weight class: Middleweight

Results: Anthony Hernandez def. Jordan Wright by first-round knockout

Grade: A

Summary: In what was one of the more emotional leadups in Dana White’s Contender Series’ short but sweet history, Anthony Hernandez signed off on his story in stunning fashion.

With Hernandez’s father passing away shortly after being notified of his opportunity to fight for a UFC contract, the stage was set. And despite the added pressure of the moment, a focused Hernandez took the octagon.

Despite his nickname of “Fluffy” and his opponent’s being “The Beverly Hills Ninja,” the energy was as palpable as a heavyweight affair. Hernandez came out stalking aggressively while Jordan Wright tried to find the range for his flamboyant kicks from a slightly bladed stance. But as soon as Hernandez connected with his first clean punch, the Wright’s mood immediately changed mid-exchange, something that invited Hernandez in with crowding punches against the cage for the kill.

Between the pre-fight promos and eventual outcome, it was hard not to let emotion get the best of all of us (props to Laura Sanko, speaking of) as it was all but a conclusion that Hernandez would make good on a UFC contract. The 24-year-old does seem young for the division he is entering, but given the recent trends of turnover at 185 pounds (as well as fellow title-holding LFA alum), I believe the well-rounded Hernandez will eventually find his niche.

Matt Sayles

Weight class: Featherweight

Results: Matt Sayles def. Yazan Hajeh by first-round TKO

Grade: A

Summary: The headlining bout for Dana White’s Contender Series 10 was one of the closer lined fights from a betting perspective.

Both men, despite lacking a massive sample size, are well-rounded fighters who come from reputable camps and coaches. But though they were well-matched on paper, one punch tends to change everything, something that Matt Sayles immediately reminded us by landing a quality shot on Yazan Hajeh out of the shoot.

The Palestinian fighter did his best to mask his attacks with his flashy flow, and he ultimately shot for an early takedown or two in the process. The problem, however, was that Sayles was doing so many small but savvy things that spoke well beyond the experience listed on his resume.

The Alliance MMA product picked his spots wisely and was seemingly well aware of his position in the cage at all times. And after flicking out a few left hands to help line up the repeat effect of his right cross, Sayles momentarily folded Hajeh before following him to the mat for follow-up shots that earned him the finish.

Sayles didn’t have to work through too much adversity, nor did his battle last too long, but the ferocity in which he ran through his fundamentals impressed me, which earned him an easy-A in my book. The 24-year-old will be entering a shark tank of a division that is the UFC featherweight pool, but I suspect that – with the proper matchmaking – we could have an action-fighting prospect on our hands.

For complete coverage of Dana White’s Contender Series 10, visit the MMA Events section of the site.