Martin Kozak earns UFC contract with second round finish at DWCS

Martin Kozak secured a UFC contract on September 8 during Week 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series 2026. The 24-year-old middleweight improved his undefeated record to 7-0 after a technical knockout of Christian Echols. Following a first round hindered by a referee-imposed break for a low blow, Kozak returned in the second round to finish the bout with a striking flurry. The result marks a milestone for Slovakian mixed martial arts as he becomes the youngest fighter from his country to sign with the organization. Kozak joins a limited roster of Slovakian athletes to reach the promotion, including Ludovit Klein and Martin Buday. The win follows a recent unsuccessful debut for Vlastislav Cepo, another fighter representing the region. Kozak confirmed his transition to the UFC roster immediately following the conclusion of the event.

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