Marwan Rahiki Secures Stunning Win at DWCS Week 10: Inside the Contender Series Finale

Las Vegas, Oct 14, 2025 — The curtain closed on Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 with fireworks, and one of the most talked-about bouts was the featherweight showdown between Australian-Moroccan rising star Marwan Rahiki and Congolese veteran Ananias “Metal” Mulumba.

The Build-Up: Stakes, Styles & Expectations

Rahiki entered the contest undefeated (6-0) with a reputation as a finisher, carrying momentum from his earlier domestic work. Mulumba, with a record of 9-2 and a strong submission background (5 of his wins by submission per Sherdog) Sherdog, was seen as a dangerous test — especially on the ground.

Going into the fight, observers expected a measured striker vs grappler clash: Rahiki would look to keep the fight upright, while Mulumba aimed to drag it into deep waters.

Fight Recap & Turning Points

The bout proved to be a rollercoaster:

• In the early going, Mulumba showed grit. He managed to drop Rahiki not once but twice, placing pressure on the Australian-Moroccan and visibly testing his composure.
• At one point, Mulumba secured a deep rear naked choke attempt — the kind of finish that would’ve ended the fight if locked in just right. It was serious enough that many commentators were already speculating on what the bounce-back fight would be if Rahiki escaped it.
• However, Rahiki demonstrated heart, recovery, and composure. He managed to survive the danger and reassert control.
• In the second round, Rahiki shifted momentum. He landed decisive strikes and forced a stoppage via TKO, ending the fight before Mulumba could fully recover or counter.

Given the earlier knockdowns and submission threat, some could argue the referee might have pulled the trigger sooner, but Rahiki’s resilience and follow-through left little doubt that he was the rightful victor.

What This Means for Rahiki & the Contract Picture

With that win, Rahiki remains undefeated and now waits for the season’s conclusion to see if Dana White and company will award him a UFC contract. Given the performance — surviving adversity, showing finishing instincts, and staying calm under fire — he has made a strong case.

In past seasons, the Contender Series has awarded contracts to fighters who show not just wins, but heart, fight-IQ, and the ability to perform under pressure. Rahiki checked several of those boxes in this showing.

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Resilience wins respect — surviving early knockdowns and a near choke speaks to Rahiki’s mentality.
• Well-rounded game required — striking is important, but you can’t ignore grappling threats, especially in this format.
• Contender Series is ruthless — one moment can swing your career prospects. Fighters must bring urgency, sharpness, and fight awareness from start to finish.
• Watch for matchups — if Rahiki earns a contract, his next opponents in the UFC will likely look to test whether that second-round finish was fluke or a breakout moment.

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