Full List of Australian and New Zealand Fighters Who Have Competed on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS)

Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) has become a crucial launching pad for MMA fighters looking to break into the UFC. Over the years, Australia and New Zealand have produced a growing list of athletes who have competed on the show – many of whom have gone on to sign UFC contracts and make waves on the global stage.

As of April 2025, a total of 14 fighters from Australia and New Zealand have competed on DWCS, with 10 fighters successfully earning UFC contracts.

Here’s the complete list:

Australians and New Zealanders Who Have Fought on Dana White’s Contender Series

• Jack Della Maddalena (Australia)
  Earned a UFC contract in 2021 after a unanimous decision victory. He is now a top-five ranked welterweight contender.
• Carlos Ulberg (New Zealand)
  Secured a UFC contract in 2020 with a first-round knockout. Ulberg is now a top-three ranked light heavyweight.
• Jimmy Crute (Australia)
  Won a UFC contract in 2018 with a first-round TKO. Crute has since fought many notable names at light heavyweight.
• Jack Jenkins (Australia)
  Claimed a UFC contract in 2022 after a third-round TKO win and has become a fan favorite for his aggressive style.
• Jonathan Micallef (Australia)
  Gained a UFC contract in 2024 after a first-round submission win.
• Navajo Stirling (New Zealand)
  Earned a UFC contract in 2024 with a dominant second-round TKO.
• Cody Haddon (Australia)
  Picked up a UFC contract in 2024 with a first-round submission on DWCS.
• Tom Nolan (Australia)
  Earned a UFC contract in 2023 after a first-round knockout, quickly becoming a lightweight prospect to watch.
• Ben Sosoli (Australia)
  Competed in 2019. Although his fight ended in a No Contest, he was later signed to the UFC and fought heavyweight Greg Hardy.
• Aaron Tau (New Zealand)
  Competed on DWCS in 2024 but did not secure a contract after a close decision loss.
• Cam Rowston (Australia)
  Competed in 2024; despite a tough performance, he was not signed.
• Sean Gauci (Australia)
  Fought on DWCS in 2024; no official signing announced.
• Quillan Salkilld (Australia)
  Competed on DWCS in 2024. Although not officially signed through DWCS, he made a stunning UFC debut in early 2025.
• Chelsea Hackett (Australia)
  Competed on DWCS in 2020 but was not awarded a contract. She later transitioned to compete in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Key Stats:

• Total ANZAC fighters who have competed on DWCS: 14
• Total ANZAC fighters signed to UFC from DWCS: 10

Why Australia and New Zealand Are Thriving in Dana White’s Contender Series

The strong performances from Australian and New Zealand fighters reflect the rapid growth of MMA across the Oceania region. With gyms like City Kickboxing (NZ) and promotions Eternal MMA (AUS) producing elite-level talent, it’s clear that the next wave of UFC stars could easily come from Down Under.

As Dana White’s Contender Series continues each year, expect to see even more ANZAC fighters making their mark.

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