Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series demands one thing above all else: raw aggression and finishing ability.
That's precisely why Canada's Teddy Ash (14-4) and Serbia's Dusko Todorovic (8-0) are set to meet Tuesday night in the middleweight main event of Season Three: Episode 10 of the Contender Series, with both fighters banking on their instincts to win over UFC decision-makers.
At 29, Ash insists his approach doesn't require tweaking to land a UFC deal, and he's confident his fighting style aligns perfectly with what executives want to see.
"The show's formula suits my approach perfectly," Ash told reporters. "Whether Dana's watching or not, I'm fighting my way."
"I'm confident Dana and the matchmaking team will immediately appreciate my style, so everything lines up nicely. I genuinely believe I'm exactly what they want."
Both fighters landing the main event spot signals that each brings a resume and aesthetic worthy of headlining.
Ash described being the closing bout as a privilege, adding that he and Todorovic have earned their position atop the card.
"Review our backgrounds and you'll see we've absolutely earned this matchup," Ash noted. "It's a recipe for excitement."
"Two fighters chasing finishes, both sharp on the feet — it's going to deliver a wild night."
Ash has competed against some of the sport's most respected names, defeating UFC standouts Seth Baczynski, Dominique Steele, and Victor Valimaki alongside Bellator alumnus Kobe Ortiz.
Recently, he captured both the Unified MMA middleweight and light heavyweight championships and the Prestige FC light heavyweight belt.
Still, Ash considers Todorovic his stiffest challenge yet.
"He brings exceptional skills and carries a perfect record," Ash explained. "Even with just eight bouts, I'm certain he brings additional combat sports background."
"I genuinely view him as my toughest challenger so far, but I'm peaking now and I'll be equally formidable."
Todorovic Prepared For Ultimate Test
Throughout his brief career, the 25-year-old Todorovic hasn't seen a single contest extend past the opening round — five of his wins arrived within sixty seconds.
Yet despite never testing his stamina in later rounds, Todorovic remains convinced his conditioning can handle the grueling pace Ash brings.
"I haven't faced a third-round fight yet, but we drill that scenario in training," Todorovic said.
"I'd love another first-round finish, but should it go the distance, I know I'll have plenty left."
In merely eight appearances, Todorovic has already defeated active UFC athlete Michel Pereira to claim the SBC Middleweight crown, plus fellow contender Alexander Poppeck.
Despite his early success, Todorovic emphasized how transformative a UFC deal would be.
"It would completely change my life," he said.
"My coach, Jovan Milicevic, and I both dream of proving that fighters from Serbia can reach the UFC and demonstrate the rewards of relentless daily work."
The Contender Series has repeatedly shown that spectacular, highlight-worthy finishes dramatically boost contract chances.
With all eight of Todorovic's wins coming by stoppage, he feels his approach matches precisely what the UFC wants and sees no reason to adjust.
"No fight of mine has gone the distance or come close," Todorovic said.
"I believe I embody exactly what Dana White seeks in a UFC prospect, so I see no need to change anything."
Ash's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my coaches, Jeff Montemurro and Keijiro Noda, my team, Shaved Bears, and my list of sponsors: Paul Peddle Services, Birch Mountain Enterprises, BBN Consulting Inc., Clearwater River Outfitters, Thickwood Barbershop, Clinch Fight Shop, Sketch Ink, Fort McMurray Roofing, NC Transport, Hilltop Smoke Shop, Oil City Edibles, High Roller Energy Drink, Bite Me Meals, and Saskana." Follow Ash on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
Todorovic's Shoutouts
"There has been a lot of support during the years of hard work and training. In first place is my family who provided me with all the support I needed to last at this level of competition and I'm glad I will soon be able to give something back to them. Next, of course, are my head coaches Jovan and Aleksandar Milicevic, and all of my friends from Secutor Gym. I also would like to thank my sponsors for all the help they provided: Revolution Gym, Leone, Fitness World, DOGA, Mozzart, Sinergija CF, and last my managers Bojan Mihajlovic and Marcelo Brigadeiro from MTK MMA." Follow Todorovic on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
