Dana White’s Contender Series Picks & Predictions (Week 2)
The ninth season of the Dana White Contender Series is underway, and the opening week didn't disappoint. Two fighters earned UFC contracts, including Middleweight Baisangur Susurkaev, who went on to fight at UFC 319 just four days later. Susurkaev won his bout in Chicago on Saturday, locking in a second-round rear-naked choke against Eric Nolan.
The action continues on Tuesday night, as 10 fighters attempt to showcase their skills in front of the UFC chief and secure a contract with the promotion. Below, I have a couple of bets for Tuesday's DWCS week two card.
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Dana White’s Contender Series Week 2
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Middleweight: Brandon Holmes (-166) vs. Cam Rowston (+140)
Cam Rowston is familiar with fighting in the DWCS, as he battled Torrez Finney in a losing effort (U-DEC) last season. The 30-year-old Australian has bounced back since the loss, rattling off three consecutive wins over the previous year. Rowston is now 11-3-0 in his career with seven submission wins and a trio of knockout victories.
He'll take on the United States' Brandon Holmes, who comes in at a perfect 5-0-0 in his MMA career. I'm willing to take a flier on the underdog in this spot. For starters, as I mentioned, Rowston has gone through the DWCS process before, and I think that's worth a small intangible edge.
However, once the cage closes, I believe that Rowston also possesses the physical abilities to take care of business. He holds advantages in both height (6' 3" vs. 6' 2") and reach (78" vs. 74"), so if he manages to control the distance, then he should survive, and potentially even thrive on the feet. Furthermore, should Rowston get this fight to the ground, this is where we'll see him really go to work. He's a threat to submit opponents from both on top and on his back. Ultimately, I view this fight closer to a pick 'em, so I believe there's value to be had with Rowston. Give me the "Battle Giraffe" to win this contest.
Pick: Cam Rowston Moneyline (+140)
DWCS Week 2 Parlay (-200)
The aforementioned Holmes vs. Rowston fight is the tightest fight in terms of moneyline pricing on Tuesday night. And, being that this isn't a marquee sporting event, we don't have very many betting markets open. With all of that being said, I'm going to round out this article with a two-leg moneyline parlay, which pairs a couple of the heavy favorites. It includes Louis Lee Scott (-425) and Josh Hokit (-455), and this parlay pays -200.
Louis Lee Scott (-425) will take on Kaushik Saikumar (+330), and I do not have the Englishman on upset alert in this one. The 25-year-old is 9-0-0 in his professional career, and before that, he amassed an excellent 14-2-0 amateur mark. He has the clear edge in experience, as Saikumar only has five pro bouts (5-0-0). Scott trains out of the respected Manchester Top Team gym, the same venue where the undefeated Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) receives his coaching.
I simply think "Lightning" Louis Lee Scott is a tier above Saikumar. This could be one of those Bantamweight showdowns that show up on a highlight reel down the line for Scott. He's well-rounded with five knockouts and two submission wins. I don't think he lets us down as a sizable favorite.
As for the second leg, I'm riding with Josh Hokit (-455) over Guilherme Uriel (+350). Hokit comes into this Heavyweight tilt at 5-0-0, while Brazil's Uriel is 6-1-0. It's going to be the mobility and speed of Hokit that helps him win this fight and earn a UFC contract.
Although he's a Heavyweight, the American typically doesn't utilize the full 265 Lbs., as he came in at just 238 Lbs. in his most recent win. The edge in speed combined with his wrestling background has guided Hokit to three submission wins, as well as two more knockout victories from the ground. No one has been able to withstand his grappling in the Heavyweight division, and I expect that trend to continue on Tuesday. Give me "The Incredible Hok" on the moneyline to round out this two-legger.
Picks: Louis Lee Scott (-425) & Josh Hokit (-455)