LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 08: Martin Kozak of Slovakia punches Christian Echols in a middleweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series Season 10, Week 5 at Meta APEX on September 08, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) “CEO” is here. Slovakian Middleweight Martin Kozak likely punched his ticket to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when he battered former Bellator fighter Christian Echols en route to a second-round technical knockout tonight (Tues., Sept. 8, 2026) during Week 5 of Contender Series Season 10 inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. And it was a technical beatdown. Despite Echols missing the Middleweight limit by three pounds, the 6-foot-4 Kozak looked at least two weight classes bigger once they stepped inside the Octagon. “CEO” controlled the opening round with his long jab and teep kicks, keeping the significantly shorter Echols at range. To Echols’ credit, he repeatedly attempted to close the distance by shooting for takedowns and blitzing forward with looping overhand punches. However, Kozak stuffed every early shot and calmly moved out of danger whenever Echols charged into range. Toward the end of the first round, Kozak landed back-to-back head kicks, with the second dropping Echols to the canvas. Somehow, “The Vanilla Gorilla” survived the ensuing assault and made it to the horn — although he also absorbed an accidental uppercut below the belt with seven seconds remaining. Things got downright ugly for Echols in the second round. Echols briefly landed a takedown in the opening seconds, but Kozak quickly returned to his feet and began torching his opponent with vicious body kicks. The repeated punishment caused Echols to buckle and drop his hands, leaving his head completely exposed. Kozak immediately went upstairs with a right hook that sent Echols crashing to the canvas. “CEO” then unloaded with punches along the fence until the referee finally stepped in at 1:32 of the second round. Check out the violent finish below: ONE TWO AND IT'S OVER ‼️ Martin Kozak earns the 2nd Round TKO tonight! [ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/8W54osXUqC — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 9, 2026 Thought it was over but that was a CLEAR low blow 😳 [ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/naracHZIyd — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 9, 2026 Headkick lands FLUSH in R1 for Kozak 💪 [ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/pbARTMaB48 — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 9, 2026 Kozak improved to a perfect 7-0 with seven finishes — five knockouts and two submissions. He entered the evening hoping to become the youngest Slovakian fighter in UFC history, and after that ruthless performance, it would be shocking if UFC CEO Dana White did not call his name. As for Echols, the 34-year-old fell to 8-5 and will likely return to the regional circuit in search of another opportunity. Welcome to the “CEO” era. For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.