5-fight lineup revealed for 'Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series' premiere

The fight card is set for the premiere of “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series,” and it features a mix of former UFC fighters, journeyman and hot prospects.

In the first episode, which airs July 11 on UFC Fight Pass, three UFC veterans – Joby Sanchez, Justin Jones and Kurt Holobaugh – are among those vying for a chance to get back with the industry leader.

Holobaugh (17-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), whose lone appearance with the promotion came in a 2013 loss at UFC 159, will face CES MMA champion Matt Bessette (22-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a featherweight bout. Bessette enters on a seven-fight winning streak, with five in CES and two in Bellator. Holobaugh comes in on a three-fight winning streak, all with Titan FC. Both men scored TKO wins in their most recent fights in May.

Sanchez (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) faces 23-year-old Manny Vasquez (11-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a flyweight bout between prospects. Sanchez, 25, has back-to-back wins since parting from the UFC following a 2015 loss to Geanne Herrera. Vasquez is hoping to make a strong impression after a successful Bellator debut in March at Bellator 175, where he beat Nate Williams via unanimous decision.

A heavyweight bout between a pair of 35-year-olds is also on the card, with Greg Rebello vs. Azunna Anyanwu. Rebello (22-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has won six of last seven, including two straight this year by submission and TKO. Anyanwu (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is riding the wave of a four-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming by way of TKO in February.

The fights on the show will take place at The Ultimate Fighter gym in Las Vegas. But unlike the fights on the “TUF” reality series that take place in the gym, these fights will be fully regulated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission – meaning all the fights count toward the fighters’ records.

The full card includes:

• Matt Bessette vs. Kurt Holobaugh
• Greg Rebello vs. Azunna Anyanwu
• Boston Salmon vs. Ricky Turcios
• Charles Byrd vs. Justin Jones
• Manny Vazquez vs. Joby Sanchez

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.