Dana White’s Contender Series Season 5, Week 6 Odds and Picks – Smotritsky vs Malott

• Only two contracts were awarded last week
• A welterweight bout headlines the card
• See the odds and betting preview for Week 6 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, Alex Perez, Ryan Spann, and Maycee Barber, among countless others.

After five episodes where 21 contracts have been handed out, five more fights happen on Week 6 on Tuesday, October 5 as the very best unsigned fighters fight for a UFC contract. Week 6 takes place on Tuesday, October 5 live at the UFC Apex at 8 p.m. ET. In the main event, Shimon Smotritsky battles Mike Malott at welterweight.

DWCS Week 6 Odds

All odds as of October 3rd at DraftKings

Does Smotritsky Remain Undefeated?

Shimon Smotritsky (7-0) last fought in Russia but did compete twice in Bellator in November of 2018 and 2019 when they went to Israel both times and the Israelian fighter has been fighting in Israel for the majority of his career, except for his last fight when he competed in Russia. The 21-year-old has fought some decent-level of competition as he holds notable wins over Sergey Yaskoveta, Ilya Gladkiy, and Matan Levi.

Mike Malott (6-1-1) has had a unique career so far. The Candian started his pro career in 2011 and went 4-0 before he fought on World Series of Fighting and lost to now UFC fighter and fellow Canadian, Hakeem Dawodu. He then had a draw in his next fight, took two years off, returned in 2017, and won before taking three years off and returning in 2020 and picking up another win. In his last fight, he submitted Solomon Renfro who likely would’ve been on the DWCS had he won.

Smotritsky vs Malott Stats

This is a really intriguing matchup as both Smotritsky and Malott are both well-rounded and can have success on the ground and the feet. Early on, I expect Malott to come out aggressive and stick his jab and mix in the wrestling as he does work at Team Alpha Male and has improved his wrestling and jiu-jitsu during the time off.

Smotritsky will likely be able to stuff the takedowns and even if he gets taken down, he is offensive off his back and can catch anyone in a submission. However, I do expect him to want to keep this fight standing and look for the KO shot. Yet, I like Malott’s striking defense and all-around game that in the second round, once he starts to wear on Smotritsky he will eventually get him to the ground and sink in a choke and get a UFC deal.

Pick: Mike Malott (-165)

Other DWCS Week 6 Picks:

• Daniel Barez (-110): Barez will be able to keep this fight standing and piece up Hernandez on the feet to win a decision but not a UFC contract.
• Fernie Garcia (-235): Garcia will use his wrestling to control the fight and get a decision win but not a UFC deal at this time.
• Joseph Holmes (-400): Barnes has fought nothing but cans and low-level fighters and it will show here as Holmes will get a first-round submission and a UFC deal.
• Genaro Valdez (-400): Valdez is a great grappler as he’ll take White down early and sink in a choke in the first round to earn a UFC deal.