Written By: Evan PerkinsDana White's Contender Series is back in action on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM ET, with plenty of mixed martial arts battles coming your way soon. One battle to check out is a lightweight showdown between Dylan Mantello and Ahmad Hassanzada, which is the main event on the card. Currently, Hassanzada is favored with a moneyline at -165.
Mantello lost in the 2023 DWCS Week 7 to Kaynan Kruschewsky by submission in the first round of action. He later rebounded with a second-round TKO over Nathan Williams at CFFC 129 in February of this year.
His fighting resume points to eight victories, with five coming by knockout, two by submission, and one by decision. He has two of his three losses coming by decision. He also has three first-round finishes, showing that he can end a fight in the early stages when it comes to quick strikes.
"The Quiet Man" has spent a decent amount of time with the Ring of Combat promotion. He is currently 3-1 under that banner, with solid opponents throughout. His toughest battle was back in the DWCS last year, so he is eager to avenge that loss.
Mantello comes in as the 134th-best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and 35th in the world for professional lightweight. On paper, he looks more appealing than Hassanzada with quality wins under his belt.
Hassanzada has won his last two fights and has previously fought in the DWCS. His most recent fight was a third-round TKO win over Aleko Saghliani at Tuff-N-Uff 136 in March of this year.
"Lion of the Ring" has accumulated 10 wins that consist of four knockouts, five submissions, and one decision. In three losses, two have come by knockout. He has also recorded six first round finishes that show he is deadly in the openings.
According to fighter rankings, he is considered to be the 332nd-best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He also ranks 87th in the world for best professional lightweight.
Hassanzada has moved a few times to different organizations over the years. His most recent success was a 1-1 finish in LFA. In his most recent battles, he faced solid competition throughout.
Dana White's Contender Series odds in the Dylan Mantello vs. Ahmad Hassanzada showdown have been offered by MyBookie. Both fighters are aiming for a coveted contract to join the UFC but they must make a good impression here. Hassanzada is favored with a moneyline at -165 and the return on Mantello being +135.
Both fighters are not quite yet polished in the strong aspects of their fighting style. However, the edge slightly favors Mantello, who has the better resume and is a great counter puncher. Mantello is a bigger threat if the fight goes his way with pace and the pressure to counter.
