Canada is 3-0 on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025, with Ontario’s Cody Chovancek the latest name to find success.

Originally hailing from Petrolia, not far from the Michigan border, Chovancek (9-0) now trains with Niagara Top Team, the same gym that has helped develop the careers of Jasmine Jasudavicius, Aaron Jeffery, and Mike Malott.

“Now that the UFC is coming back to Canada more often, we’ve got to get more guys on the show. It’s a talent-packed regional scene, and you’re going to see more guys like me coming up, representing Canada,” predicted Chovancek, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press following his fight with Raphael Uchegbu, which he ended via knockout early in the third round.

“It means the world to me to be able to represent my country,” the bantamweight added.

There was no concern about losing out on a contract, “not after a KO like that,” Chovancek added. “Dana [White, UFC CEO and President] said to me ‘it takes two to tango,’ and I felt like my opponent was kind of trying to stall a little bit. But I knew I’d be able to find that finish.”

In his down time, Chovancek enjoys the outdoors, and brags he’s the best fisherman in the sport. “I’m the real best fisher in MMA, and I’ll fight or fish to prove that,” he exclaimed. Gregor Gillespie might have something to say about that, but you can check out Cody’s fishing exploits via Octagon Outdoors, he noted, adding a little plug.

With UFC Vancouver arriving next month, there’s a big opportunity for Chovancek to make his promotional debut there. “It’s a little soon, there’s some things, I’ve got to talk to my coaches and talk to camp and everything, but I would love to get on the next Canadian card for sure,” he said on that front. “I’ll be there regardless; my teammates both Jasmine and Mike are fighting on that card, and I don’t know if he’s been announced yet, but I hope they get Serhiy on that card too, Serhiy Sidey. That’s just another stacked card coming to Canada, so it’s great for Canadian MMA fans. There’s such a huge fan base there. it’s going to be a great card.”

Watch the full DWCS 2025 Week 6 post-fight media appearance with Cody Chovancek above.