Contender Series 2024: Week 7
Date: Tuesday 9/24 at 8PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
Venue: UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV
Bouts: 5
I think we got a shot at all finishes on this slate!
PREDICTIONS: (Reminder, in parenthesis is win or lose, fight outcome, regardless of predicted fighter)
Schoenfelder defeats Voievodkin (U1.5, TKO)
The big boys, all finishes and looking to land another to snatch the contract. Voievodkin, thought dangerous on the feet, will be the slower of the two. Would be smart for Schoenfelder to take it down and initiate the GnP.
Kutsyi defeats Frunza (SUB)
Kutsyi is just more well rounded and we will see it with some grappling on his way to a SUB. He’s gotta be selective though, and respect the power from Frunza who is a live dog.
Mazzeo defeats Christian (ITD)
Probably a case where Mazzeo catches him in the first round, or slows the more the fight goes to the point Christian takes over and finishes the fight himself. I just think Mazzeo’s brawling fight style will throw Christian off gameplan where he gets clipped. Should note Christian has just one fight since 2019.
Teague defeats Vallejos (U2.5)
Teague a sizeable dog here, but the dude always gives you an honest effort. Both guys will take some damage and Teague is fresh off a scrap last month where he took a bunch as well, though ultimately finishing UFC vet Austin Lingo near the end of the second round. I hope the turnaround weight cut doesn’t keep us from seeing him 100% either. Anyhow, Vallejos is a stud who will bring the fight and is sharp on the feet. One thing you’ll see if he doesnt get an early finish, he’ll fade in fights and doesnt like to get hit. Although he’s the more technical of the two, I think Teague has the heart to hang in there, but regardless, I see this one ending before the final bell.
Thainara defeats Conceicao (SUB)
Conceicao is tough and very well rounded. She’ll have some speed and typically leverages takedowns and control. In this matchup though, I suspect she’ll want to avoid the mat, as this will give Thainara opportunities galore to lock in a sub. Thainara typically wears down her opponents, and if they won’t go away, controls from the top. In this matchup, I like her chances, and although Conceicao is tough to put away, the attempts and control should win some rounds at the very least. Although opening the card, this is actually a decent scrap for the 115lb division.
BET CONSIDERATIONS:
Schoenfelder wins in RD 1 +100
Kutsyi/Frunza U2.5 -160 (look Kutsyi SUB +225)
Teague +450
Thainara -123