Dana White’s Contender Series Week 8 Odds & Picks

• Dana White’s Contender Series returns on Tuesday, August 13, 2019
• Five fights are scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex gym, headlined by Herdem Alacabek vs William Knight
• 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 White and matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard, resumes in Week 8 with another five fights at the UFC Apex gym with the action starting at 8:00 pm EST on Tuesday night.

Below, find odds, previews, and predictions for each bout on Tuesday’s card.

Herdem Alacabek vs William Knight Odds

*All odds as of 08/13/19

This is a strong main event between two worthy UFC light heavyweights. Alacabek has beaten some UFC-caliber opponents in his short career fighting in LFA, a top regional promotion, as well as IRFA. Knight, meanwhile, last fought in CES.

In this fight, Knight will need to keep it standing as he’s a better striker than Alacabek. But, the Swede is a good wrestler and jiu-jitsu fighter, which has resulted in two submission wins on his record. I expect Alacabek to be able to get this fight to the ground  and earn a UFC contract with a victory.

Pick: Herdem Alacabek (-180)

Brok Weaver vs Devin Smyth Odds

A really intriguing welterweight bout as both are on winning streaks but the level of competition faced is worrying to me.  Weaver has been fighting in a good promotion in Island Fights, but has not faced any current UFC or Bellator fighters, and neither has Smyth during his time in Total Warrior Combat.

Both possess a good ground game but I think Smyth holds the edge and gets the win by decision, but not enough to earn the UFC contract.

Pick: Devin Smyth (+110)

Shanna Young vs Sarah Alpar Odds

A women’s bantamweight bout between two intriguing prospects features Young, who has some very notable wins on her record including Invicta FC featherweight champ, Pam Sorenson. Alpar, meanwhile, has been fighting in top promotions and should elevate the level of this fight.

I favor Young in this one as her size will come into play here. She has knockout power and submission skills –  which Alpar has been submitted to before. I wouldn’t be surprised if Young shot right away and got an early win. Regardless, I am high on Young and believes she gets it done and earns the UFC contract.

Pick: Shanna Young (-175)

Tony Gravely vs Ray Rodriguez Odds

This is the fight that will be the best on the card. Both Gravely and Rodriguez really should be in the UFC by now as both have only lost to fighters on the UFC and Bellator roster in their career.  It is a match of contrasting styles as Rodriguez will look to get it to the ground while Gravely will look to keep it standing.

I believe Gravely will be able to get it done and possibly score a finish, but even if he wins by decision a UFC contract is calling his name.

Pick: Tony Gravely (-450)

Karl Reed vs Julius Anglickas Odds

Another light heavyweight card on the show will showcase a pair of intriguing prospects. Reed had a shot on the Contender Series in 2017 after just two pro fights and lost to Cameron Olson by decision. Anglickas, meanwhile, is coming off of a big win over Clayton York in a card he headlined in LFA. But, he too has a loss to Olson by decision in his second pro fight.

I think Anglickas will use his wrestling and jiu-jitsu to get this fight to the ground and earn a submission win and a UFC contract.

Pick: Julius Anglickas (-175)