Dana white’s contender series returns this Tuesday, October 19, 2021. The fans can hardly wait as the UFC Apex Facility as Las Vegas hosts ten of the world’s best MMA prospects.
The main event features two outstanding welterweights – Solomon “The Black Dragon” Renfro and Johnny “The Paradox” Parson in what is sure to be a clash for the ages. Four other exciting bouts complete the fight card for this event, and the fans can expect to be in for a fantastic night of fight action. We have the best picks, odds, bets, and predictions.
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 5, Week 8 General Information:
- Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
- TV-Time: ESPN+,8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: UFC Apex facility
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Fights: 5 fights on the Main Card
- Main Event: Solomon Renfro vs. Johnny Parsons
Expert Pick #1 – Renfro to win @-110
A very evenly matched fight featuring two fighters with similar skills and records, Solomon Renfro vs. Johnny Parsons has the makings of a great main event. Renfro is by far the more complete mixed martial artist of the two, being able to deliver multiple finishes via KO/TKO and Submission.
Johnny Parsons comes into this bout on the back of four consecutive wins and possesses some insane knockout power. Add that to his height and reach advantages over Renfro, and the experts could make a case that he extends his win streak to five. However, Solomon Renfro has an overwhelming advantage with his speed and movement and is just such a well-rounded fighter that we see him coming up with an answer for everything Parsons throws at him. Our expert pick for this one is a well-fought-out victory for the Black Dragon.
Records: Solomon Renfro 8-1-0| Johnny Parson 7-2-0 Main Card – Welterweight (170lbs) – Approx. Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Expert Pick #2 – Barralho to win @-200
Caio Borralho is a very promising fighter being handed another chance to secure a professional contract after his underwhelming decision win in week 5 of this year’s series. This time, Jesse Murray, his opponent, is a towering light heavyweight with remarkable grappling and knockout power.
Borralho’s impressive takedown defence and gas tank would have to come good in this fight. Should he weather the early barrage by Murray and step up his performance from his initial appearance a few weeks ago, “The Natural” could very well extend his winning run to 8 in a row and walk home with a UFC contract in the bags. And we see him doing just that.
Records: Caio Borralho 9-1-0| Jesse Murray 8-3-0 Main Card – Light Heavyweight (205lbs) – Approx. Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Expert Pick #3 – Petrosyan to win @+235
Armen Petrosyan has been listed as a clear underdog in this bout vs. Kaloyan Kolev, and it’s not difficult to see why. Kolev’s impressive record of 10 victories in 10 fights speaks for itself. However, considering the level of opposition that those victories have come against and Petrosyan’s qualities, this fight will not be a walk in the park.
Petrosyan has a slight height and reach advantage, boasts better cardio, movement, and defence, and is more relentless than Kolev. With the surgical precision of his strikes, “The Doctor” will pick his opponent apart on the night. A tough one to call, no doubt, but our tip for this one sees Petrosyan handing Kolev his first professional loss as he secures the win on the night.
Records: Armen Petrosyan 5-1-0| Kaloyan Kolev 10-0-0 Main Card – Light Heavyweight(205lbs) – Approx. Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Complete Card & Predictions for the Night
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 5 Week 8 presents another opportunity for fighters to put their skills on display in the Apex facility octagon and fight to show why they are deserving of a professional UFC contract. Here are the Predictions, Odds, Bets, and Tips for this event:
Main Event
- Welterweight (170lbs): Solomon Renfro vs. Johnny Parsons – Renfro via KO/TKO
Main Card
- (W) Strawweight (115lbs): Valesca Machado vs. Piera Rodriguez – Rodriguez via KO/TKO
- Light Heavyweight (205lbs): Caio Borralho vs. Jesse Murray – Borralho via KO/TKO
- Light Heavyweight (205lbs): Armen Petrosyan vs. Kaloyan Kolev – Petrosyan via KO/TKO
- Featherweight (135lbs): James Barnes vs. Pedro Falcao – Falcao via Submission
