Joe Kropschot won DWCS 87 two days after his father's death

Joe Kropschot delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in Dana White's Contender Series history at DWCS 87, earning a unanimous decision victory over Jon Kunneman just two days after losing his father.

Kropschot revealed the heartbreaking timing in the aftermath of his win, disclosing that his father had passed away only 48 hours before he walked into the cage. Despite the weight of that grief, Kropschot said he felt he fought a strong, controlled fight and vowed that more finishes are on the way in his career.

The bout nearly ended far earlier than the judges' scorecards. Kropschot locked in a vicious armbar that reportedly broke Kunneman's arm after the undefeated prospect refused to tap, a sequence that underscored both the severity of the submission attempt and Kunneman's refusal to quit.

Kunneman, nicknamed "AK-47," entered DWCS 87 with a perfect ten-and-zero professional record at just 27 years old. The unbeaten run had positioned him as one of the more intriguing prospects on the card, and his willingness to absorb a broken arm rather than submit speaks to a competitor who is unlikely to disappear from the contender conversation.

Why it matters

• Kropschot's willingness to compete under extraordinary personal circumstances drew immediate attention and sympathy from the MMA community.
• The near-finish via armbar — one severe enough to reportedly fracture Kunneman's arm — demonstrated Kropschot's submission threat even in a fight that went to decision.
• Kunneman suffers his first professional loss but showed the durability and toughness that scouts value in long-term prospects.
• Both fighters now enter the post-DWCS evaluation window as Dana White and matchmakers assess which performers earn UFC contracts.