If you’re an MMA fan, Dana White’s Contender Series is the time of the year. If you’re a casual, it’s your chance to meet the new crop of fighters on the way up. If you’re a diehard, it’s a chance to see prospects you love finally get their shot. And if you’re a degen, there are usually some juicy lines to get some DWCS bets in for.
We’ve taken a look at all of Dana White’s Contender Series Week 5 and looked to get you some winners. Come check out what we have cooked up for you.
Go here for more UFC picks!
Dana White’s Contender Series Week 5 – Predictions & Best Bets
Steven Asplund (+130) vs. Anthony Guarascio
In the main event, I’m digging the underdog quite a bit. It’s not that Guarascio isn’t dangerous – he is. He showed that in his CFFC title fight last time out. However, we’ve only ever seen Guarascio go one round and he’s up against a heavyweight who is as durable as they come. Not only is Asplund durable, but he’s also got amazing cardio for a man of his size. Asplund is known for pushing that pace and taking heavyweights in to water so deep that they aren’t ready for it, and that’s precisely what I expect him to do here.
Lerryan Douglas (-700) vs. Cam Teague
I’m not sure if Cam Teague did something to insult Dana White’s family, but this is the second brutal matchup he’s got on the Contender Series. After losing to Kevin Vallejos due to Vallejos’ speed and power, he get Lerryan Douglas, who compares well to Vallejos in both of those metrics. Teague is just a touch too hittable to deal with someone who throws the way that Douglas does, and the books appear to understand that.
Felipe Franco (-450) vs. Freddy Vidal
Freddy Vidal is likely just not ready for this level of fight. Just three fights into his pro career, he was thrust into action on short notice. Not only is this probably a little too much too soon, but he also missed weight by four pounds and looked pretty bad on the scale. Even if I didn’t think he had a massive grappling disadvantage in this one, I would be worried about what he’s been through to get here. Expect Franco to cruise and look for finish props to make that line nicer.
Samuel Sanches (-110) vs. Chasen Blair
We get a pick’em fight early in the night with Sanches and Blair throwing down. While I like Blair, I just am not sure that he has the speed to deal with Sanches on the feet. That leaves the ground game as his primary method of victory. However, I think that Sanches has surprisingly good takedown defense and should be able to force the standup fight.
Carol Foro (+145) vs. Shanelle Dyer
I get why Dyer comes in here as the favorite. She is the more technical fighter for sure. However, the power and the pressure will be coming the other way on this one. When Foro lands, people remember it. She works to the body with excellent accuracy and isn’t afraid to get after it. That power shouldbe the difference maker if it ends early or if the judges are to decide it.
If you’d like even more Dana White’s Contender Series Week 5 bets, be sure to check out the MMA Gambling Podcast. The guys are dropping weekly episodes to make you the smartest guy at the bar.
