Top 8 Performances by Australians and Kiwis on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, Articles

The 2024 season of Dana White’s Contender Series brought attention to some of the best rising stars from Australia and New Zealand, as they battled for UFC contracts and the opportunity to showcase their skills on the sport’s biggest stage. These athletes did not disappoint, delivering thrilling finishes, technical showdowns, and moments of resilience that captured the global audience.

Pictured: UFC Dana White - Source: UFC.com

Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 8 performances from the season, not a critique on their skill or potential. So you know, relax aye...

8. Anthony Drilich

Sean Gauci landing a punch on Anthony Drilich - Source: MMA Junkie

In a unique, history making bout, Perth local, Anthony Drilich, entered his bout with fellow Australian Sean Gauci on a six-fight win streak and being a dominant, reigning Eternal MMA Flyweight Champion. However, after a reported gruelling weight cut and a technical but underwhelming fight against Sean Gauci, severed his shot at UFC contract. Despite the setback, Dana White did offer words of encouragement, stating, “Both of you have a future, just not tonight.”

Drilich’s skills are undeniable, and his return to the cage will be highly anticipated as he aims to prove his potential as a top contender.

7. Cam Rowston

Cam Rowston weighing in against his opponent Torrez Finney - Source: MMA Junkie

Though Cam Rowston fell short in a decision loss to Torrez Finney, he remains a dangerous prospect. The CKB standout, had only lost to elite fighters such as One FC's Isi Fitikefu and UFC fighter Jacob Malkoun, in the past.

Rowston showcased moments of striking prowess during his fight, but ultimately he couldn't get rolling against the grappling of Torrez Finney, who ironically would be heavily critiqued by the UFC boss for his lack of action. As he returns to the Australian circuit, Rowston will be looking to sharpen his tools and bounce back stronger from this experience. He is already slated for a title opportunity with new promotion Stealth Fight League on October 25th.

6. Aaron Tau

The Dan Hooker cornered, Aaron Tau showcased tremendous heart and fighting spirit in a tough bout against Elijah Smith, son of former UFC fighter, Gilbert Smith. Although he lost on the scorecards, Tau came alive in the final round, forcing Smith into a defensive shell with relentless strikes.

Tau’s fierce determination, fuelled by his Māori warrior heritage, ensures that he will remain a fighter to watch in future events, despite missing out on a UFC contract this time around. The NZ scene is slowly starting to come alive, so I wouldn't be surprised is we saw an active 2025 for Aaron Tau.

5. Sean Gauci

Sean Gauci landing a punch on Anthony Drilich - Source: Sean Gauci

Sean Gauci found himself in the weirdest spot of all. He earned a gritty decision win over the #1 125lber in Australia, Anthony Drilich, yet did not receive a coveted UFC contract.

In a fight that UFC president Dana White said, didn’t quite live up to its expectations. Which is even more perplexing despite the lack of depth in the UFC's flyweight division. Gauci, who's no stranger to adversity, showed incredible toughness by continuing the fight despite breaking his hand in the second round.

Although he didn’t secure a finish, his technical ability and resilience have established him as a top prospect. Once recovered, Gauci is expected to make another push for a UFC contract. He's looking at a 3-4 month recovery before setting his eyes on international oppoents. He also stated that a rematch with Drilich is definitely a possibility.

4. Quillan Salkilld

Quillan Salkilld landing a punch on Gauge Young - Source: MMA Junkie

Quillan Salkilld delivered a smooth, yet violent masterclass in his decision victory over Gauge Young.

Though Contender Series rewards often highlight finishes, Salkilld’s sharp striking and relentless pressure stood out, earning praise from fans and experts alike. Even resulting in bringing UFC president Dana White to his feet.

With a few more strong performances, Salkilld could soon find himself climbing the UFC’s competitive lightweight division. Salkilld has already stated that he expects UFC gold by 2026.

3. Navajo Stirling

Navajo Stirling, often compared to LeBron James in relation to Israel Adesanya's Michael Jordan, made a powerful statement with a second-round knockout of Phillip Latu. Stirling, widely regarded as City Kickboxing's most exciting prospect, showcased his knockout power and proved why he's a two-time 8-man King of the Ring champion.

His dominant performance earned him a UFC contract, and with a fight already scheduled for December, Stirling is rapidly gaining momentum, positioning himself as a serious contender in the UFC.

2. Jono Micallef

Jono Micallef submitting his opponent Mohamed Ado - Source: MMA Junkie

One of the most inspiring stories of the season, Jono Micallef, balanced fatherhood and his MMA career as he secured a first-round triangle choke submission victory over Mohamed Ado.

Micallef’s journey, including the loss of his Hex Fight Series welterweight title earlier in the year, in a FOTY candidate, adds depth to his rise as a UFC prospect.

His resilience and skill make him a name to watch in the future as Jono used his brick like dexterity to prove just how you can go from your first professional fight, to the UFC, in just over 2 years.

Expect big things from 'The Captain' in 2025.

1. Cody Haddon

Cody Haddon finishing his opponent billy Brand - Source: MMA Junkie

Cody Haddon takes the top spot for me after setting the tone early in the season with a flawless first-round submission over Billy Brand. His quick, dominant performance was exactly the type of finish Dana White looks for on Contender Series.

As one of Perth’s brightest MMA talents, Haddon’s relentless grappling and fast pace have solidified him as a top contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Haddon finished his opponent so decisively that he already scored his first official UFC victory before the DWCS season was over. Cody Haddon took care of 5-fight UFC veteran on October 20th and already has his eyes on fellow star Payton Talbott.

Oceania’s Rising MMA Scene

With 8 fighters, five wins and four UFC contracts awarded, 2024 was a banner year for Australians and Kiwis on Dana White’s Contender Series. Fighters like Cody Haddon, Jono Micallef, and Navajo Stirling are at the forefront of this movement, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from Oceania. As the region continues to produce fighters capable of competing with the world’s best, the future looks bright for Australia and New Zealand in the UFC, signalling an exciting new era for Oceania MMA where you don't even have to be the champion of an Australian promotion before getting the call up to the big show.