Dana White’s Contender Series Storylines | Week 7, Season 6
Dana White’s contender series continues to prove that it is indeed the most electrifying combat sports show in the world. As we embark on a new week of surging contenders looking to prove their worth to UFC boss Dana White, all that’s left is to lay down the storylines before it’s time to lace up.
Vitor Petrino vs Rodolfo Bellato
For the first time in the show’s history, we get a rematch between two Brazilians who fought in the regional scene back in 2019 as Rodolfo Bellato looks to avenge his only loss when he meets ferocious undefeated knockout artist Vitor Petrino for the second time.
Bellato enters the contest with a 100% finish ratio and a 3-fight win streak, proving that he is the embodiment of a DWCS contestant. On the other hand, 25-year-old Vitor Petrino enters the bout carrying an undefeated record and two fists of stone that seem to drop whoever it connects on.
When you put two young former rivals with fight-altering power in a cage, guaranteed fireworks are what you should expect from this one.
Gabriel Bonfim vs Trey Waters
Two undefeated welterweight prospects clash in sin city as submission standout Gabriel Bonfim clashes against the dangerous Trey Waters.
The 25-year-old Bonfim makes his series debut with a 100% finish rate. What’s fascinating about the Brazillian is that even though he secured 9 of his 12 wins by submission, his 3 knockout wins weren’t your typical TKO, far from it. He touches people, and they just fall. So, for a grappler to possess such devastating power only complicates the assignment that much more for his adversaries.
Trey Waters didn’t choose the conventional route of turning professional straight away. He competed in 5 amateur fights in 18 months, going the extra mile by taking bouts for free to gain the needed experience for the professional ranks.
In all of Trey’s fights, amateur and professional, he has only won once by decision, and his opponent Bonfim is yet to hear the final bell. Based on these stats, it is more than likely that someone is going to sleep in this one.
Jimmy Lawson vs Karl Williams
Two once-beaten heavyweights look to steal the show as Jimmy “Greedy” Lawson looks to continue his knockout streak when he meets fellow heavy-handed American Karl Williams.
Former Penn State wrestler Jimmy Lawson transitioned to MMA in April 2019 when he debuted against Said Sowma. Lawson lost his debut by unanimous decision in what was a frustrating fight. However, Lawson returned with a chip on his shoulder, resulting in a 4 fight-finishing streak that made him undeniable for a shot at the contender series.
After moving to train with Dhiego Lima, Williams has won six of his seven pro bouts, with three victories by knockout. At 32, the time is now for Williams to deliver, and with three wins in a row, momentum is on his side to produce something special. Will he? We’ll find out very shortly.
Ismael Bonfim vs Nariman Abbassov
Gabrial Bonfim’s big brother Ismael Bonfim looks to start the momentum for the family as he starts the family business when he faces Azerbaijan’s Nariman Abbassov.
Bonfim’s last loss came 8 years ago when he fell short against UFC contender Renato Moicano. Since then, Ismael has been on an 11-fight unbeaten streak heading into this intriguing matchup.
The most experienced fighter on the card, Nariman Abbassov arrives in sin city with a rich record of 28-3 and a 13-fight win streak to up the stakes. The AMC Fight Nights Global lightweight champion, Nariman has gone 25-1 since losing consecutive bouts in early 2014. resiliency at its best.
Can the Bonfim brothers finish the family business, or will Azerbaijan’s most experienced be too much for the Brazilian?
Nayara Maia vs Tereza Bleda
Undefeated flyweights look to start the night with a bang as Brazil’s Nayara Maia locks horns with the experienced Tereza Bleda.
Team Nova Uniao has produced some iconic fighters throughout the years like Jose Aldo and Renan Barao. Nayara Maia is confident that she’s inclined to become an icon of her own. It all starts with a win this Tuesday.
Undefeated in 14 fights across her amateur and professional careers combined, Tereza Bleda has finished four of her five professional wins. She looks to add another finish to her impressive resume and join the UFC Czech takeover.
There aren’t a lot of tapes to study both fighters, and when it comes to their opposition, the level is certainly nowhere near the elite. So, it will be all about who handles the pressure better on the night of the fight.
