Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 Odds & Picks
- Dana White’s Contender Series returns on Tuesday, July 23rd
- Five fights are scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex gym, headlined by Aleksa Camur vs. Fabio Cherant
- See all the odds plus fight predictions below
Dana White’s Contender Series, which features top MMA prospects competing for a chance to secure a UFC contract in front of company president Dana White and matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard, resumes this Tuesday (July 30th). Week 6 will include another five fights at the UFC Apex gym with the action starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Below, find odds, previews, and predictions for each bout on Tuesday’s card.
*All odds as of 07/30/19.
Aleksa Camur vs. Fabio Cherant Odds
| Fighter (Record) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Aleksa Camur (4-0) | -300 |
| Fabio Cherant (4-0) | +250 |
Aleksa Camur is headlining this card for a reason. The 23-year-old has shown immense talent at light heavyweight, and the UFC always needs more 205-pound fighters. He also trains with Stipe Miocic which will only help him in this fight. All four of Camur’s wins are by knockout and he has beaten quality opponents (Allen Bose, Marvin Skipper), but he hasn’t fought since August of last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf_B18Buu_g
Cherant, meanwhile, is a grappling specialist with all four of his wins coming by submission.
This fight will come down to which fighter can can utilize his game plan better. If Cherant can get it to the ground, he will win, but I think Camur’s takedown defense is too good and he will be able to TKO Cherant and earn a UFC contract.
Pick: Aleksa Camur (-300)
Aalon Cruz vs. Steven Nguyen Odds
| Fighter (Record) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Aalon Cruz (7-2) | +150 |
| Steven Nguyen (6-0) | -175 |
I am very high on Steven Nguyen as a prospect. He has been fighting in EFC, which has turned over a ton of UFC fighters as of late, and I expect Nguyen to be another. He has never lost, even in his amateur career, and is very well-rounded on the feet and the ground.
Frankly, Nguyen is just the better fighter and he will win by stoppage, or possibly a dominant decision win and earn a UFC contract.
Pick: Steven Nguyen (-175)
Mariya Agapova vs. Tracy Cortez Odds
| Fighter (Record) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mariya Agapova (6-0) | -155 |
| Tracy Cortez (5-1) | +135 |
This is an intriguing battle in a flyweight division that needs more competitors in the UFC. Should either of them put on an impressive performance, she will most likely be signed.
Both good on the ground but I favor Cortez, who had experience in Invicta, as her striking is a little more accomplished. Cortez by decision.
Pick: Tracy Cortez (+135)
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Rico Farrington Odds
| Fighter (Record) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Daniel Rodriguez (8-1) | -265 |
| Rico Farrington (7-2) | +225 |
As the odds suggest, it should be Daniel Rodriguez getting his hand raised here. “D-Rod” has fought in top promotions like Combate Americas and Bellator,and has had success in both promotions.
I expect Rodriguez’s power to be too much for Farrington as he hands him a knockout loss and earns a UFC contract.
Pick: Daniel Rodriguez (-265)
Michael Martinek vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Odds
| Fighter (Record) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Michael Martinek (7-0) | -150 |
| Rodrigo Nascimento (6-0) | +130 |
Although I think Martinek is a better fighter and has been knocking out everyone, it is heavyweight MMA where one punch can change everything. So, I don’t think there is value on the fight, but I like Martinek to get it done, and most likely get a UFC contract as the Las Vegas-based promotion always needs heavyweights.
Pick: Michael Martinek (-150)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
