Dan Spohn to compete on “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series”

Ohio native Dan Spohn has signed to compete on “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series,” a new series featuring live fights every Tuesday night that is set to air on UFC Fight Pass beginning July 11.

I’ve officially signed to fight for the new show Tuesday Night Contenders in July! More details to be released soon. pic.twitter.com/VSICszr3HN

— Daniel Spohn ()

Spohn, who lives in Columbus and trains at Ronin Training Center, is no stranger to the UFC or reality shows. He appeared on season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” making it to the semifinals before being eliminated from the tournament. He made waves by viciously knocking out Tyler King in just 10 seconds in his preliminary fight to make it on the show.

He also appeared on the show’s live finale, where he lost a decision against Patrick Walsh in his official UFC debut. He was cut from his UFC contract following the loss, but since then he’s returned to the regional scene, posting an impressive 7-1 record in fights at both light heavyweight and heavyweight.

Five of those wins have come via stoppage, including a TKO victory over Azunna Anyanwu to claim the CFFC heavyweight title. He’s also claimed the Gladiators of the Cage light heavyweight title, and the IT Fight Series heavyweight title. His only loss in the span was against fellow UFC veteran Rodney Wallace via decision.

“Tuesday Night Contender Series” will be an extension of UFC president Dana White’s popular “Looking For a Fight” series, where he travels to regional events around the country to find the best unsigned talent.

“This sport continues to get bigger all over the world, and the more fights we can put on, the more talent we can find, the better the events will be for the fans,” White stated when the new show was announced last month. “I love looking for up-and-coming talent. This show’s going to give us another opportunity to bring in young fighters who we think have potential to make it in the UFC or maybe even one day become world champions.

“It’ll also give some fighters who might be in a slump or on their way out of the organization an opportunity for that last shot. I truly can’t watch enough fights and I think our fans will love this new Fight Pass show.”

Spohn now holds a 15-5 record and is ranked as one of the top unsigned light heavyweights, a division where the UFC could use some new talent. The fights will take place in The Ultimate Fighter Gym in Las Vegas, and will be sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, meaning they will count toward a fighter’s official record.