Susurkaev immediately put his UFC contract to work, booking a spot on the UFC 319: Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis undercard in Chicago just four days later. Susurkaev rode the hype wave all the way to his first win, a second-round rear naked choke submission of fellow debutante Eric Nolan.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie was on scene and reporting live from Monday's official Dana White's Contender Series 78 fighter weigh-ins, where in a rarity, one fighter missed his mark on the scale. The weigh-ins took place at the UFC host hotel in Las Vegas. The UFC Apex hosts Tuesday's card, which streams on ESPN+.

Dana White's Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions. The second week of the ninth season will see 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract.