It’s official: Cage Warriors veteran Chasen ‘Mestizo’ Blair will be the latest alumni of the Famous Yellow Gloves to appear on this season of Dana White’s Contender Series. The news was finally confirmed today, with the confirmation that the MMA Fight Academy man will face Brazil’s Samuel ‘The Prodigy’ Sanches.
Blair will get his shot at impressing UFC head honcho Dana White on Week 5 of the show’s 9th season, set to take place from the UFC Apex on Tuesday, September 9th. The former North Carolina Tar Heel wrestler is no stranger to the format, having famously took a late notice opportunity during season 8.
Just minutes removed from submitting Florin Pîrtea at Cage Warriors 177, Blair was informed that he’d been offered the chance to face the undefeated Kody Steele just two and a half weeks later, accepting on the spot. And while he was ultimately unsuccessful on the night, Blair’s grit impressed the UFC brass.
Blair returned to Cage Warriors in April, submitting Diego Visanzay in the very first round. It was the latest in a long line of spectacular performances in the Famous Yellow Gloves for the American, who has finished all seven of his professional victories.
Whether he’s snapping on a lightening-fast submission or snapping jaws with his vaunted punching power, its not hard to see why ‘Mestizo’ has eared a reputation as a firm fan favourite among Cage Warriors fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Flashy finishes like his armbar against Artūrs Leisāns, systematic destructions like his demolition job versus Orlando Sanders or one shot KOs like his twelve second stunner against Helio Hernandez, Blair’s rap sheet is one to behold.
As we count down the days until his next appearance on the Contender Series, why not brush up on his handiwork below!
Chasen Blair competes on Week 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series, on Tuesday, September 9th, live on UFC Fight Pass.