Contender Series: Charles Oliveira's friend wins in a comeback victory, but fails to convince Dana White and is dropped from the UFC.

Diego Lima gets emotional after Apollo Gomes' victory in the Contender Series. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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One of the promising fighters from the 'Chute Boxe Diego' team, Apollo Gomes did his part in the Contender Series. In the fifth episode of the tenth season of the program, held this Tuesday (8), in Las Vegas (USA), Charles do Bronx 's friend overcame and beat Won Il Kwon in a comeback, by unanimous decision. However, Dana White was not impressed with the Brazilian and, consequently, did not reward him with a UFC contract.

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Apollo Gomes, 26, is a promising MMA fighter who competes in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) and is part of the 'Chute Boxe Diego Lima' team. Charles do Bronx 's training partner began his career in the sport in 2018 and has built a record of 13 wins, two losses, and one 'no contest' (no result).

Apollo Gomes won on the Contender Series. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Apollo sought a takedown early in the fight and took Kwon's back. Even in a precarious position, Kwon landed two powerful strikes to Apollo's back. Without giving up on grappling, Apollo managed to take Kwon down, but couldn't control him on the ground. In the striking exchanges, Kwon, a specialist in the area, punished Apollo and scored a knockdown. Recovered, Apollo wasn't intimidated and exchanged blows standing with Kwon. However, Kwon again rocked Apollo, this time with a punch to the midsection. A fighter, Apollo resisted, but finished the round poorly.

In the second round, Apollo went on the offensive and had some good moments early on, with low kicks and spinning elbows. Confident, Apollo continued to pressure Kwon, landing kicks and punches, but Kwon lost his way in the fight and offered little in attack. Enjoying a good moment, Apollo posed a threat to Kwon with his low kicks. In response, Kwon also troubled Apollo with high kicks. At the end of the round, Apollo resorted to grappling, clinched with Kwon and attempted a rear-naked choke, but was unsuccessful.

In the third and final round, Kwon landed a clean straight punch on Apollo, who responded with a spinning elbow. Apollo then attempted a takedown but failed. In the ensuing exchange, Kwon landed a good kick to Apollo's midsection. Shortly after, Apollo landed jabs and powerful straight punches on Kwon. In the final moments, Kwon picked up the pace and landed some good punches on Apollo. However, Apollo also landed powerful punches on Kwon, staggering him. In the final minute, Apollo continued to pressure Kwon, delivering jabs and straight punches.

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