Dana White’s Contender Series Week 7 Picks and Odds: Novenyi Jr vs Haig Predictions

• Five high-stakes matchups take place tonight aiming for UFC contracts
• Norbert Novenyi Jr. enters as a massive -455 betting favorite over Theo Haig
• See my expert Week 7 DWCS predictions, picks and odds below

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Tonight, Sept. 22, a volatile night of fights takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+. A coveted UFC roster spot is on the line, creating a high-pressure environment at the Meta Apex.

The card is headlined by the middleweight bout between former Bellator prospect Norbert Novenyi Jr and DWCS returnee Theo Haig. Jaden Ortega vs Alvi Dasuyev complement them in the co-main event to construct a packed Tuesday night.

Let’s dive into the Dana White’s Contender Series Week 7 odds and my predictions for all five fights.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 7 Odds

Novenyi Jr is the biggest favorite in the DWCS Week 7 odds at -455. Conversely, Haig is the biggest underdog at +340.

Odds as of Sept. 22 at BetMGM. Claim a BetMGM promo code or check out the best UFC betting apps for Dana White’s Contender Series Week 7.

Novenyi Jr vs Haig Prediction

The UFC just let Michael ‘Venom’ Page go in a widely-reported free agency move, but they might be on the verge of replacing him with his protege.

I see a clear path for Norbert Novenyi Jr, a once-prized Bellator prospect, to take over this fight. He is a well-rounded fighter, but his preference is to strike, and his work with ‘MVP’ has added a dynamic, aggressive edge to his power game.

Theo Haig has looked extremely uncomfortable on the feet his entire career, leading to him getting trucked in 30 seconds on DWCS just last year. With limited defensive answers, he is likely to give Novenyi Jr the openings he needs to land clean.

Haig desperately needs this fight on the ground, but Novenyi is also a high-level grappler with optimal takedown defense. Haig’s subpar wrestling will not do the job against an athlete like Novenyi.

I expect Novenyi Jr to force the action early and find a finish before Haig can settle in. His power and aggression make the KO/TKO prop more appealing than laying the moneyline price. Most of Novenyi’s finishes have come by submission, but his biggest advantage in this fight is with his striking.

• DWCS Week 7 Pick #1: Norbert Novenyi Jr by KO/TKO (-170 at BetMGM)

Ortega vs Dasuyev Best Bet

Jaden Ortega and Alvi Dasuyev are both technical strikers who tend to take their time before fully settling into a fight. They move frequently and generally avoid extending long combinations, which can slow the early pace. Ortega, in particular, uses every inch of the cage to try and cut odd angles.

Both fighters have defensive flaws, though, and each should respect the other’s danger. That caution may produce measured exchanges rather than an immediate firefight.

Dasuyev also has wrestling available to him, and repeated attempts to put Ortega down could drain both fighters without necessarily producing a quick finish. I like this matchup to last beyond the opening round and a half.

Dasuyev is much more experienced than the 24-year-old Ortega, who is skilled enough to compete in the UFC with more seasoning. The pick is on the more well-rounded Dasuyev, but this fight should be highly competitive and technical as a big step-up for both.

• DWCS Week 7 Pick #2: Ortega vs Dasuyev Over 1.5 (+110 at BetMGM)

Degli vs Moran Pick

Marcos Degli is favored because of his explosive striking and clear one-punch power. He can change the fight with a single clean connection, making him the more dangerous offensive fighter in this matchup. He might be the most dynamic fighter on the card.

However, Degli’s power has been a double-edged sword at times and has directly caused his biggest weakness. The Brazilian often trusts his power too much, leading to prolonged stretches of inactivity. That gives Paris Moran opportunities to survive and keep the fight from becoming a sustained brawl.

Moran is even more defensive than Degli, averaging a frustratingly low number of strikes thrown per minute, so neither fighter consistently forces a high pace. Degli will come at him, but Moran is difficult to hit cleanly due to his reserved style.

I expect both men to have enough caution and durability to push this fight past the midway point rounds.

• DWCS Week 7 Pick #3: Degli vs Moran Over 1.5 (+115 at BetMGM)

Connor vs Guaylupo Prediction

I am surprised to see Callum Connor listed as the underdog. He has clear grappling deficiencies, but he is a precise striker who understands how to maximize his range and punish reckless entries. That will certainly be a factor when the six-foot-tall fighter towers over his opponent in the Octagon.

Piero Guaylupo is a wild fighter with very little defensive discipline. That style can create exciting moments, but it also gives a clean, accurate opponent plenty of chances to counter. Those are dangerous against a sniper like Connor.

Guaylupo is not really a wrestler, which is especially important here because Connor’s biggest weakness is unlikely to be consistently tested. I am backing Connor to control the striking exchanges and win the moneyline. Connor just needs to avoid being lured into a brawl, given his tendency to really open up once he smells blood.

• DWCS Week 7 Pick #4: Callum Connor ML (+100 at BetMGM)

Quissua vs Piwowarczyk Best Bet

Damian Piwowarczyk brings KSW pedigree, but I do not like what I have seen from his defense on the feet. He is prone to making costly mistakes, and that kind of vulnerability can swing a close fight quickly.

Emilio Quissua is not the better striker, and Piwowarczyk should have the cleaner tools in that phase. Quissua’s route is getting the fight down, where he has a major advantage through his control and top-position damage.

Quissua has yet to win a fight by submission but has excellent ground-and-pound from dominant positions. He truly looks like a different fighter once he gets on the ground.

It is puzzling that Quissua does not wrestle more often, but he is very effective once he establishes top position. If he commits to that approach, I expect him to neutralize Piwowarczyk’s strengths and earn the upset.

• DWCS Week 7 Pick #5: Emilio Quissua ML (+105 at BetMGM)