DWCS Season 5 Week 1, Odds & Picks – Murzakanov vs Scheffel

• The Contender Series is back on Tuesday as top regional fighters look to earn a UFC contract
• The event goes down on Tuesday, August 31 from the UFC Apex
• See the odds and betting preview for Week 1, 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, Maycee Barber, Alex Perez, Johnny Walker, and Ryan Spann among countless others.

After four successful seasons, season five kicks off on Tuesday, August 31 at 8 p.m. ET at the UFC Apex. In the main event of DWCS Week 1, Azamat Murzakanov battles Matheus Scheffel at light heavyweight.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 1 Odds

All odds as of August 29 at DraftKings

Does Murzakanov Remain Undefeated?

Azamat Murzakanov (9-0) is someone I’ve heard about for quite some time as the undefeated Russian last fought for Brave CF and won the open weight belt in his last fight. He also holds a win over Andre Muniz, who is a current UFC middleweight who submitted Jacare Souza in his last fight. He holds six of his nine wins by KO/TKO and one win by submission.

Mattheus Scheffel (14-6) has had mixed results throughout his career but the Brazilian has won two in a row but he hasn’t fought since October of 2019. The majority of his losses are to UFC fighters and he has been knocked out in most of them as well. He doesn’t have many notable wins but has fought the likes of John Allan, Klidson Abreu, and Rodney Wallace.

Murzakanov & Scheffel Stats

This is a fight that Murzakanov has all the skills to win. The Russian has legit KO power and Scheffel’s striking defense is a major concern. The Russian also has an underrated ground game where he could possibly look to take the Brazilian down.

Early on, I expect both men to try and find their range and see what the other does on the feet. Murzakanov will likely be the aggressor and once he starts landing, he should look to clinch Scheffel against the fence and try for a takedown.

Ultimately, Murzakanov should be able to mix in the striking and grappling and eventually in the second round catch Scheffel with something big and gets the TKO victory and a UFC contract.

Pick: Azamat Murzakanov (-265)

Other DWCS Week 1 Picks:

• Joanderson Brito (-115): This is a very close fight and one that could’ve happened in the UFC. I like Brito to keep it standing and land the better shots and win a decision over Lopes, but probably not a UFC contract.
• Victor Altamirano (-370): Altamirano is legit and should be able to take the fight to the mat and get a submission win and a UFC deal.
• AJ Fletcher (-145): Fletcher has the wrestling advantage to grind out a decision win but not a UFC deal.