Las Vegas, NV - Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series is back with a bang, and Week 5 promises to be an electrifying night for MMA fans and betting enthusiasts.
If you're eager to see which fighters will earn a coveted UFC contract, tune in to ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET this Tuesday.
From light heavyweights to flyweights, we've got an action-packed lineup. Let's break down the matchups and what you can expect from each bout.
Navajo Stirling, a member of Auckland's famed City Kickboxing team, enters the octagon as a promising light heavyweight prospect. At 26, he's unbeaten in four professional fights (4-0) and boasts a long reach that has helped him secure three consecutive wins inside the distance.
Training alongside the likes of Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker, Stirling is -265 favorite in this fight. Phil Latu, 33, arrives with a 6-1 record, having earned four consecutive wins, all by KO or TKO.
Once a heavyweight, Latu has found a new lease on his career at light heavyweight. He's a +225 underdog but has proven his mettle by taking out DWCS alum Dylan Potter in his last fight.
The round total is set at 1.5, with both over and under priced at -115. This suggests a tight, closely-contested bout, but given both fighters' propensity for finishes, don't blink-you might miss it.
Quemuel Ottoni, a Brazilian lightweight with a 12-3 record, is a tough nut to crack. He's won five straight fights, though he's been relatively inactive, fighting just once in the last three years. Ottoni's most notable victory came against Alex "Poatan" Pereira, the first man to defeat the now-UFC middleweight contender in MMA.
Kody Steele is a -190 favorite and remains unbeaten at 6-0. Known for his active participation in the grappling world, Steele trains out of Checkmat BJJ and has earned three straight finishes. He may lack high-profile training partners, but his skills speak for themselves.
The round total here is 1.5, with the over at -185 and the under at +155, indicating that this fight is expected to go the distance but still leave room for a potential early finish.
Taiga Iwasaki, a 27-year-old middleweight with a 9-1 record, has shown promise but most of his victories have come against less experienced fighters. His lone setback was against former Bellator middleweight champ Rafael Lovato Jr.
Yousri Belgaroui, a former kickboxer and a -625 favorite, trains with Alex Pereira at Teixeira MMA & Fitness. Having earned five wins by KO/TKO, Belgaroui aims to join his teammate on the UFC roster.
The round total is set at 1.5, with the over priced at -155 and the under at +125. Given Belgaroui's striking prowess, an early finish seems likely.
Josias Musasa, representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is 7-0 with all wins coming by stoppage. He's only ventured beyond the first round once, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Otari Tanzilovi, a -220 favorite, is also unbeaten at 9-0. He trains at Guram Fight Club and has earned most of his wins by stoppage. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest of unbeaten bantamweight.
The round total is set at 1.5, with the over at +100 and the under at -130. Both fighters' records suggest a high probability of an early finish.
Corinne Laframboise, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from Canada, returns after a hiatus due to pregnancy. With a 7-2 record, she's on a three-fight finishing streak and aims to get Canada on the board.
Nicole Caliari, a -118 favorite, holds a 7-2 record and has also won three straight. Training with strawweight standout Marina Rodriguez, Caliari brings a solid grappling game to the table.
The round total is set at 2.5, with the over at -125 and the under at -105. Given both fighters' recent form, this could be a tactical battle.
Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series Week 5 is set to deliver high-octane action, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Each fight offers unique storylines and intriguing matchups that are sure to captivate MMA fans and sports bettors alike.
Whether you're tuning in to see if Stirling can maintain his unbeaten record, or curious if Belgaroui's kickboxing skills will translate to another UFC contract, this week's event will not disappoint.
For our free play this week, we are going to give out Belgaroui to win by KO/TKO. This prop is returning -180, which compared to his -625 odds to win, we are getting very good number here.He isn't going to submit his opponent because that just isn't his style of fight. He wants to go in there and overpower him with striking to get the win!
Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable night of fights. Tune in to ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET and join the conversation online to share your thoughts and predictions. Who do you think will earn a UFC contract this week?
