(Updated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, to reflect new opponent for Brzeski.)
Dana White’s Contender Series returns to action next week, and there’s been a change to the original lineup.
MMA Junkie on Thursday confirmed with a person with knowledge of the decision that Lorenzo Hood (12-4) has been forced to withdraw from next week’s Dana White’s Contender Series 37 event. The person requested anonymity because the promotion has not yet made a formal announcement.
In his place against Polish heavyweight Lukasz Brzeski (8-1-1) will be Dylan Potter (10-5), a person with knowledge of the new booking told MMA Junkie on Friday.
The 26-year-old Potter has won four of his past five fights dating back two and a half years. His lone loss in that stretch came in his only appearance for LFA – a split decision setback to Myron Dennis in November 2020. All 10 of Potter’s pro wins have been by stoppage, including seven submissions.
Brzeski, 29, is unbeaten in his last six appearances. He fought most recently in May 2020, securing a second-round TKO win on the Polish regional stage. His eight career victories include five knockouts and two submissions.
The debut episode of the fifth season of the prospects-based series, Dana White’s Contender Series 37 takes place Aug. 31 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streams live on ESPN+, with athletes looking to secure UFC deals through their performances on the night.
The Dana White’s Contender Series 37 lineup currently includes:
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
- Matheus Scheffel vs. Azamat Murzakanov
- Diego Lopes vs. Joanderson Brito
- Victor Altamirano vs. Carlos Candelario
- Leonardo Damiani vs. A.J. Fletcher
- Lukasz Brzeski vs. Dylan Potter