Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 Odds and Picks – Almeida vs Nasrudinov

• Five contracts were handed out on both the first and second episode of season 5
• Light heavyweights collide in the main event of week three as Jailton Almeida takes on Nasrudin Nasrudinov
• See the odds and betting preview for Week 3 below

Dana White’s Contender Series has been must-watch TV for MMA fans who have had the chance to see future UFC stars earn their way into the promotion. The show has produced the likes of Sean O’Malley, Ryan Spann, Alex Perez, Sodiq Yusuff, and Julian Marquez among countless others.

After successful back-to-back weeks, the third episode of season five takes place on Tuesday, September 14th, at 8:00 PM ET at the UFC Apex. In the main event, Jailton Almeida battles Nasrudin Nasrudinov.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 Odds

Odds as of Sept. 12.

Does Nasrudinov Remain Undefeated?

Jailton Almeida (13-2) is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak and, as of late, has been competing in grappling tournaments. The 30-year-old Brazilian has finished all his fights and has been improving his striking game. Recently, he has been competing for several Brazilian promotions like Thunder Fight and Future FC. He does hold two notable wins over UFC veterans, Ednaldo Oliveira, who actually competed as a heavyweight, and Ildemar Alcantara. Both wins were by submission.

Nasrudin Nasrudinov (9-0) has been known on the Russian scene for quite some time as he has been competing in ACA which is a top promotion in the country. The 29-year-old hasn’t fought this year which could be a concern but he has fought a high level of competition. He holds a decision victory over UFC veteran and now-PFL fighter Cory Hendricks and knocked out Jorge Gonzalez, who was once signed to the UFC but never competed for the promotion.

Almeida & Nasrudinov Stats

This should be a really fun fight as both Almeida and Nasrudinov have underrated striking, but the Russian will look to take it to the ground, but off his back, Almeida is dangerous and can throw up a submission.

Early on, I expect Almeida to use his jab and to try and keep Nasrudinov at distance and not let him shoot for a takedown. However, I do expect the Russian to eventually shoot for a takedown and get it and spend the first round on top looking for the stoppage. When the second round hits, he will have much more confidence and will shoot for a takedown early, secure it and ground and pound Almeida out for the TKO win and a UFC contract,

Pick: Nasrudin Nasrudinov (-210)

Other DWCS Season 5 Week 3 Picks:

• Mo Miller (-320): The odds seems too high on this one but I do like Miller to blend in his wrestling and striking to win a decision but not a UFC contract.
• Albert Duraev (-320): Both guys have not fought since 2018 which is a worry but I like Duraev to hurt Bittencourt on the feet and TKO him via ground and pound to get a UFC deal.
• Lukasz Brzeski (-275): Brzeski is a legit heavyweight prospect who will come out strong and connect with something big and KO Potter, in the first to secure a UFC deal. A parlay of Nasrudinov, Duraev and Brzeski is a solid bet.
• Jack Della (-155): Della is a much better striker than Loosa and will be able to piece him up and eventually hurt him on the feet to get a TKO win and a UFC deal.
• Jasmine Jasudavicius (-110): Jasudavicius will be able to stuff the takedowns of the Brazilian and just out volume Polastri on the feet to win a decision but not a UFC contract.