Dana White’s Contender Series Storylines | Week 9, Season 6
At last, one of the most anticipated debuts in the show’s young history goes down this Tuesday as 17-year-old phenom Raul Rosas Jr. looks to show the masses why he will be the youngest champion in UFC history. But first, let’s break down this episode’s compelling matchups.
Leon Aliu vs. Bruno Ferreira
Middleweight powerhouses headline this week’s card as Italy’s Leon Aliu looks to join his fellow Italian Middleweight, Marvin Vettori, in the UFC. However, standing in his way will be an undefeated Brazillian wrecking ball in Bruno Ferreira.
Leon started his professional journey at 27 years old. To most, Leon will be considered an inexperienced fighter. However to himself, he feels like he hasn’t reached his fighting prime despite being 33. And, to a certain extent, he’s right. Starting late isn’t ideal, but his body certainly doesn’t have the wear and tear others have from pushing their body to the absolute limit.
On the other hand, Ferreira has never seen the third round in his professional career. That could be a problem if this fight goes over the first half, but his record also shows that his finisher instinct is his most significant attribute.
When it comes to sturdy competition, you have to favour the Frenchman. However, we’ve seen countless times that a heavy puncher can never be underestimated.
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Mando Gutierrez
The moment the 17-year-old phenom Raul Rosas Jr. signed to fight on DWCS, the attention of the MMA world was captured, and now, it’s sink or swim for the young bantamweight.
Many might question the level of fight IQ and experience for Raul. However, most aren’t aware that Rosas is 6-0 as an amateur with 6 first-round finishes, and in the professional ranks, he only went to the second round once. So, in all actuality, Rosas is 11-0 with 10 first-round finishes. The man is a finisher, but will he be able to maintain his success at the elite level? We’re about to find out.
Welcoming the young bantamweight to the show will be Mando “El Toro” Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is a rising prospect himself, carrying an impressive 7-1 record with 6 submission victories under his belt. However, Mando was also undefeated as an amateur. Just like his opponent, he was 6-0.
Both men have shown undeniable talent so far. However, we’ve yet to see them tested by any high-level practitioners. Will the 17-year-old continue his ascension to UFC gold? He believes he will, but Gutierrez thinks not.
Richard Jacobi vs. Austen Lane
Heavyweight hitters clash as Brazil’s Richard Jacobi looks to erase his last bout, which ended in a draw when he meets former NFL standout, Austen Lane.
Austin Lane embodies the “kill or be killed” mindset, finishing 10 of his 11 wins by knockout while also suffering all his losses by knockout.
Lane made his appearance in the show’s second season when he suffered a knockout loss to fellow former NFL star Greg Hardy. Currently, Lane is the Fury FC heavyweight champion. He’s also riding a 5 fight finishing streak dating back to September 12, 2020.
It’s now or never for both men as they put it all on the line in a fight where it’s impossible to disappoint.
Nurullo Aliev vs. Josh Wick
This card’s biggest favourite, Nurullo Aliev, looks to show that his hype is beyond deserved as he looks to make a statement against lightweight veteran Josh Wick.
The 22-year-old rising prospect (Aliev) has been a professional for almost half a decade, proving that he has earned his spot on the contender series. Currently, Aliev is 6-0 as a professional, but he’s also 3-0 as an amateur.
27-year-old veteran Josh Wick enters this fight as a massive underdog. However, I can confidently say he will be the far more experienced fighter in this bout.
Aliev is truly a star in the making. He has been compared to former pound-for-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov for the past couple of years, and he looks to show Dana White what the hype is all about.
Roybert Echeverria vs. Jafel Filho
Flyweight fireworks kick off the night as Roybert Echeverria of Venezuela and Jafel Filho of Brazil clash for a chance to gain the approval of UFC boss Dana White.
Almost 60% of Echeverria’s fights end in the first round, proving that the young undefeated Venezuelan is must-see TV. On the other hand, he will be fighting Jiu Jitsu ace Jadel Filho.
Even though Echeverria is an undefeated fighter in the professional ranks, he was 4-3 as an amateur. His last loss was in 2019 under the PFL banner when he lost a wide decision to Carlos Espinosa.
It’s a classic striker vs grappler matchup. Will the power of Venezuela’s Echeverria stop the Brazillian in his tracks? Or will Filho submit his way into a UFC contract?
