Dana White Contender Series Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions (Aug 13)

• Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) kicks off its 8th season on Tuesday, August 13 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas
• Middleweights Mansur Abdul-Malik and Wes Schultz headline a card filled with promising prospects
• Read below for DWCS Week 1 odds, picks, and predictions for Tuesday’s ESPN+ event

Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) returns for its 8th season on Tuesday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event kicks off at 8:00 PM ET, with an exciting card headlined by middleweights Mansur Abdul-Malik and Wes Schultz.

Let’s dive into the betting odds, breakdowns, and predictions for the notable fights of DWCS Week 1.

Dana White Contender Series Odds

In the Season 8 Dana White Contender Series odds for Week 1, Jose Delgado comes in as the heaviest favorite on the card at -325. That is an implied win probability of 76.5%.

Fans can watch all the action live on ESPN+, with the broadcasting getting underway at 8:00 pm ET.

DRAFTKINGS
SPORTSBOOK

Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets + $50 Deposit Bonus

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $250

GET PROMO

Odds as of August 13, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Register with the DraftKings promo code to wager on the Dana White Contender Series odds.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Wes Schultz Prediction

The main event pits middleweight prospects Mansur Abdul-Malik and Wes Schultz against each other. Abdul-Malik is an impressive physical specimen with a 5-0 record. All of his fights have ended in the first round (four KOs, one submission).

But here’s the thing—we’ve never seen Abdul-Malik tested beyond the first round. His cardio and ability to maintain that explosive pace in a longer fight are huge question marks.

That’s where Schultz comes in. With a 6-1 record and a solid wrestling background, Schultz has the grappling chops and gas tank to drag Abdul-Malik into deep waters and expose those potential cardio issues.

Sure, Abdul-Malik is a heavy favorite, thanks to his flashy finishing rate and physical gifts. But at this price, he’s just too risky of a bet. The value is all with Wes Schultz as a live underdog in the Dana White Contender Series odds.

If Schultz can survive the early onslaught and extend this fight, he’s got a serious chance at pulling off the upset. Schultz’s wrestling and cardio could be the keys to victory here, and I can’t pass up “Party Time” at juicy +250 odds.

• Pick: Wes Schultz (+250)

An Tuan Ho vs Lone’er Kavanagh Picks

The flyweight showdown between An Tuan Ho and Lone’er Kavanagh has all the makings of a Fight of the Night contender. Both men enter the DWCS with perfect 6-0 records, and are determined to prove they belong in the big show.

Ho is a dangerous striker with legit one-punch knockout power. He’s got three KO/TKO wins on his resume, showcasing his ability to end fights on the feet. Ho’s striking is lightning quick and precise, but his defensive wrestling? It’s been a bit of a weakness.

An Tuan Ho fights Lone'er Kavanagh on Tuesday on the 1st episode of DWCS. Here's a KO from one of his fights.

I can't wait for this Prospect vs. Prospect matchup. 🔥🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/E1d2HVKgLs

— 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓲𝓰𝓰𝔂 👹🩸 (@ChampFiggy) August 12, 2024

That could be a problem against a guy like Kavanagh. Fighting out of London, Kavanagh is a slick counterstriker with a karate background. He’s constantly switching stances and throwing flashy techniques.

What sets Kavanagh apart from other karate-style fighters is his defensive responsibility and range management. His quick left hook from the orthodox stance has been a key weapon, scoring multiple knockdowns in his young career.

Both of these guys are super talented, but I’ve got to give Kavanagh the slight edge here. I’m forecasting a high-paced, competitive battle that goes the distance, with Kavanagh earning a decision victory.

Picks:

• Lone’er Kavanagh via Decision (+110)
• Fight to go Distance (-225)

Jose Delgado vs Ernie Juarez Best Bet

In the featherweight division, Jose Delgado takes on Ernie Juarez in a matchup that could propel the winner straight into the UFC.

Delgado is a problem at featherweight, plain and simple. The Phoenix native is 7-1 with seven finishes (three KOs, four submissions). His only loss? A decision, the one time he didn’t end the fight inside the distance.

Jose Delgado is about that action #DWCS

Fighting out of the MMA Lab, all 7 of Jose’s professional wins have come inside the distance with 4 subs & 3 KO’s #MMATwitter #BettingX pic.twitter.com/y1vLBMTfSV

— Maestro MMA (@mmamaestro_) August 12, 2024

Delgado’s got a major size advantage here, and he knows how to use it. He’s dangerous everywhere, with solid striking and grappling skills in his arsenal. Delgado’s resilience is also worth noting. He showcased his determination in a previous fight where he recovered from being rocked early to secure a third-round finish.

His opponent, Ernie Juarez? An undefeated prospect training under UFC legend Urijah Faber. That’s a nice resume, but the oddsmakers aren’t giving him much of a chance here.

Delgado’s experience and physical advantages should be too much for Juarez at this stage of his career. Look for Delgado to control the fight and secure a finish, cementing himself as a UFC-ready prospect.

• Pick: Jose Delgado To Win By KO/TKO/DQ (+150)

Bruno Lopes and Mikheil Sazhiniani Prediction

Light heavyweights Bruno Lopes and Mikheil Sazhiniani are set to throw down in what could be a sneaky good fight.

Lopes, a 12-1 Brazilian, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in his last Contender Series appearance. He’s a well-rounded fighter, especially with his wrestling and BJJ skills.

The problem? Lopes got a bit wild with his striking in his last outing, and it cost him. If he wants to get back in the win column and score a UFC deal, he needs to tighten things up and lean on his grappling.

On the other side, you’ve got Mikheil Sazhiniani. This Georgian is 13-2 and riding a six-fight winning streak. Even more impressive? Twelve of his wins have come by knockout. “Spartan” packs some serious power.

Lopes has the tools to get it done, but his recent performance has me hesitant to back him. At plus money, Sazhiniani’s underdog price and finishing ability make him a solid value play in the Dana White Contender odds.

• Pick: Mikheil Sazhiniani (+180)