UFC Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 betting preview & tips
| Dana White Contender Series Week 6 Main Card Latest Odds & Fight Info | |
|---|---|
| When | Wednesday, September 6 – from 10am AEST |
| Where | UFC Apex, United States |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ (US), UFC Fight Pass |
UFC Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 Betting Preview
As we hit the midway point of Season 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series, it’s been an action-packed journey, with 21 contracts already handed out and promising fighters seizing their moment in the spotlight. Week 6 promises more exhilarating matchups, with the potential for UFC glory on the line.
Jean Matsumoto vs Kasey Tanner
Jean Matsumotovs 
Kasey Tanner |
| -104.17 at Marantelli Bet | MMA records | -119.05 at Marantelli Bet |
| 13-0-0 | MMA records | 6-0-0 |
| 24 | Age | 31 |
| 5’6″ | Height | 5’7″ |
| 135lbs | Weight | 135lbs |
| N/A | Reach | 69″ |
| Brazil | Nationality | USA |
The night opens with an exciting clash between undefeated bantamweights Jean Matsumoto and Kasey Tanner. Matsumoto, boasting a perfect 13-0 record, faces Tanner, who brings his 6-0 record to the Octagon. Matsumoto, at 23 years old, has gone the distance in five of his last seven fights as he’s faced increasingly challenging competition on the regional circuit. He impressively registered a mounted guillotine finish in his last outing, showcasing his versatility.
Tanner, 31 years old, represents Fight Ready MMA and aims to join the ranks of UFC bantamweights. As a key training partner for Henry Cejudo, he looks to capitalise on this opportunity. It’s a thrilling way to open a night filled with potential future stars, and the outcome will determine who leaves the Octagon disappointed and no longer sporting an unblemished professional record.
Kasey Tanner to win
Steven Nguyen vs AJ Cunningham
Steven Nguyenvs 
AJ Cunningham |
| -285.71 at Marantelli Bet | MMA records | +205 at Marantelli Bet |
| 8-1-0 | MMA records | 10-2-0 |
| 30 | Age | 29 |
| 5’11” | Height | 5’10” |
| 145lbs | Weight | 145lbs |
| 73″ | Reach | N/A |
| USA | Nationality | USA |
Featherweights Steven Nguyen and AJ Cunningham take centre stage in a contest that showcases a blend of striking and grappling skills. Nguyen, a member of the Fortis MMA crew, brings the experience of two previous Contender Series appearances to the table. Although he has a win on the series, he hasn’t competed since then, making this fight a crucial moment in his career.
Cunningham, a 29-year-old from Arkansas, boasts a 10-2 record and arrives in Las Vegas with a three-fight winning streak. While his level of competition hasn’t always been the highest, Cunningham aims to leverage his familiarity with the UFC APEX to secure an advantage in this matchup. The bout is a significant opportunity for both fighters to make a statement in the highly competitive featherweight division and potentially earn their place in the UFC.
Steven Nguyen to win by decision
Julia Polastri vs Patricia Alujas
Julia Polastrivs 
Patricia Alujas |
| -625 at Marantelli Bet | MMA records | +380 at Marantelli Bet |
| 11-3-0 | MMA records | 9-2-0 |
| 25 | Age | 26 |
| 5’2″ | Height | 5’4″ |
| 115lbs | Weight | 115lbs |
| 63.5″ | Reach | N/A |
| Brazil | Nationality | Paraguay |
Brazil’s Julia Polastri seeks redemption as she faces Patricia Alujas of Paraguay in a strawweight battle. Polastri returns to the Contender Series after a previous loss, determined to secure her spot in the UFC’s 115-pound ranks. Her recent victories and a vacant LFA strawweight title demonstrate her potential to succeed on the big stage.
On the other side, Alujas enters the fight with a 9-2 record and a five-fight winning streak but faces the challenge of limited competition experience. Training at Evolucao Thai, she aims to prove herself against a more seasoned opponent. The matchup presents an intriguing clash of fighters at different points in their careers, with Polastri looking to kickstart a positive night for returning talents, while Alujas aims to win one for the newcomers.
Julia Polastri to win by decision
Jhonata Diniz vs Eduardo Neves
Jhonata Dinizvs 
Eduardo Neves |
| -133.33 at Marantelli Bet | MMA records | +108 at Marantelli Bet |
| 5-0-0 | MMA records | 7-1-0 |
| 32 | Age | 22 |
| 6’4″ | Height | 6’2″ |
| 254lbs | Weight | 263.5lbs |
| N/A | Reach | 78″ |
| Brazil | Nationality | Brazil |
The heavyweight clash features Jhonata Diniz and Eduardo Neves. Diniz, a kickboxing convert, boasts an unblemished record and a knack for quick finishes. He has yet to see the second round, and he aims to maintain that impressive record when he squares off against Neves. On the other side, Neves returns for a second opportunity in the Contender Series after falling short last season.
Despite being a considerable bookmaker favourite in his previous appearance, Neves lost to British prospect Mick Parkin, who has since made a successful UFC debut. Now, the 23-year-old Neves seeks redemption and a chance to prove his worth. With both men showing promise and heavyweight always in need of fresh talent, this matchup promises fireworks and the possibility of a UFC contract for the victor.
Jhonata KO Round 1
James Llontop vs Malik Lewis
James Llontopvs 
Malik Lewis |
| -192.31 at Marantelli Bet | MMA records | +141 at Marantelli Bet |
| 13-2-0 | MMA records | 6-1-0 |
| 24 | Age | 27 |
| 6’0″ | Height | 6’0″ |
| 155lbs | Weight | 155lbs |
| N/A | Reach | 76″ |
| Peru | Nationality | USA |
In the welterweight division, James Llontop and Malik Lewis step into the Octagon, each with the hope of earning their shot at UFC glory. Llontop, a 24-year-old Peruvian fighter, comes into this bout riding an impressive 11-fight win streak, with six of those victories coming via stoppage. He finds inspiration in the success of fellow Peruvian competitors who have earned UFC contracts through the Contender Series.
In contrast, Lewis returns to the Contender Series after a previous setback against Trevor Peek. While Lewis boasts a 6-1 record and a third-round stoppage win, he must overcome concerns about his cardio and endurance. The bout promises to be pivotal in the 170-pound division and may determine the future trajectory of these welterweight fighters.
