Contender Series 2024: Week 10
PREDICTIONS:
Souza defeats Klein (ITD)
Actually surprised this is the headliner tonight. I dont think either of these guys would make it to a TUF finale. Souza’s been rebooked like three times I believe so they really must want to see him get a crack. He’s won six straight but low level opposition. Klein will be the bigger of the two and should have some reach, and if smart will mix in some kicks, as Souza is inconsistent with checking kicks. Souza’s boxing should shine through and he should be able to keep this one upright, but if he gasses, I could see him on his back. End of day, I see Souza working combos and eventually taking the W.
Gurule defeats Piccininni (DEC)
I know. we got lucky last go with Piccininni getting the nod in a split DEC back in week 3. Dana was so adamant Duffy won that he rebooked it for tonight, though Duffy couldnt make the turn. In steps Luis Gurule who is a very different fight. Piccininni is going from the guy who neutralized his grappling, to a more stand up striker here. Typically I go with the grappler in this case with the skill Piccinnni has but Gurule is a volume machine. If taken down, I believe Gurule has the strength to get the fight back up to the feet. This will probably happen early, but I could see this fight turning in his favor, with Piccininni getting wore down with some damage. It would not suprise me if Piccinni attempts to avoid the striking and grind out a boring decision, but that wont do him any favors in this situation with the rebooking for contract. Gurule should make this one a scrap, and one the dog can win.
DelValle defeats Monteiro (DEC)
This should be a solid fight. Monteiro hasnt been active with only seven fights in last 5-6 years, but is a two time champ out of Nova Uniao. He’s in your face with the striking, and will work the body shots looking to get some combos working upstairs. When his opponent strikes, he’ll counter with volume looking to take back control. While Monteiro is a bulldog, DelValle is more of a temu Wonderboy. He has a karate striking stance and tip toes around which at times give a big target with his chin out there, but the guy can move. He’ll have some kicks and I expect him to take Monteiro’s back to avoid the striking and control with grappling. He has the ability to get top control and if he does, watch for some GnP.
Hernandez defeats Martinez (ITD)
Big pass fight for me. If I had to I think im going with the fighter coming out of the better gym, more active, and a stronger strength of schedule which is Hernandez here. She fights with MMALab and all her pro fights have been over at LFA. She’s won four straight, two by finish which isnt too shabby at 115. Martinez is just 20 yrs old and already 7-0 as a pro. She’s fought mostly cans which supports her 86% finish rate. Both fighters will come forward and both have the ability to crack. While Martinez just goes guns blazing, Hernandez has shown some fight iq and ability to adjust along the way. I give her the ever so slight edge in a pass fight for me. Should be fun to watch.
Ado defeats Micallef (ITD)
Should be a close fight with both guys looking to finish out the gates. Micallef will have the grappling edge, and although he has some speed, his standup won’t match Ado. Tricky part here is Ado typically goes to his wrestling and submissions so it will be interesting if his team has him engage in the stand up. Gameplan wise, Ado probably wants to fend off some takedowns, gassing Micallef on his way to taking over the latter half of the fight.
BET CONSIDERATIONS:
Souza -170
DelValle +120
Ado +153