Dana White’s Contender Series – Preview
Dana White’s Contender Series is back. First, the night starts with a heavyweight tilt between Harry Hunsucker (6-2) and Jared Vanderaa (10-4). Next, the Team Alpha Male fighter, Vince Murdock (12-3) will take on Luis Saldana (13-6) in a featherweight scrap. Priming fans for the main event, the lengthy welterweight, Ignacio Bahamondes (10-3) will look to earn a contract against Edson Gomez (6-1). Closing out the night, is CityKickboxing’s Carlos Ulsberg (2-0) who looks to remain undefeated against Bruno Oliveira (8-1).
Hunsucker vs. Vanderaa
Hunsucker is a an exciting fighter, riding a 5-fight win streak, with all five wins coming by way of submission or TKO. Hunsucker’s last win came less than three weeks ago, and activity enables athletes’ to adapt easier in subsequent bouts. In the opposite corner, Vanderaa is coming in with less steam, but is at least coming off a win. Training out of Dan Henderson’s Athletic Fitness Center, Venderaa is getting some good training, especially with UFC fighters like Sam Alvey. With a contract on the line at Dana White’s Contender Series, this heavyweight fight should make for an exciting start.
Murdock vs. Saldana
Next the featherweight division is on display. Team Alpha Males’ Murdock has been dominant in most of the promotions he’s fought in. Holding a win over, DWCS alumni, T.J Laramie, albeit controversial, the California based fighter has drawn attention. Opposite to him, Saldana looks to spoil the party. Last competing in the LFA in 2019, Saldana picked up a nice submission win. Also, size may play a big factor here. Remarkably, Saldana will have a 5-inch height advantage, and almost ten-inch reach advantage. Above all, the contender series values finishes, and both competitors like to keep the judges out of it.
Edson Gomez vs. Iganacio Bahamondes
The current super-welterweight champion in King of the Cage (KOTC), Gomez is back. After a long lay off, the product of Combined Martial Science returns. Facing the KOTC champ, Bahamondes intends to secure a UFC contract on the co main event feature of the Contender Series. Picking up a decision win in LFA last September, Bahamondes will look to exploit Gomez’s possible ring rust. Additionally, due to restrictions from the pandemic, the KOTC champion admitted that finding a good place to train has been extremely difficult. Coming in as a massive -430 favorite, pressure is on Bahamondes to command a contract on this weeks episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.
Dana White Contender Series Main Event: Ulberg vs. Oliveira
CityKickboxing’s, Ulberg faces Oliveira in the Contender Series main event. Since he has had the chance to train with UFC champions like Israel Adesanya, and Alexander Volkanovski, naturally the spotlight is on Ulberg to do big things. Under the tutelage of Eugine Baremen, Ulberg is ready for this opportunity. In fact, the New Zealand prospect won the King in the Cage tournament last year. Despite it being a kickboxing tournament, Ulberg showed durability and strategy. The CityKickboxing fighter finished all three opponents by strikes that night.
Conversely, his opponent, Oliveira fights in a more aggressive stance. The Brazilian likes to stay in the pocket longer, and sit down on punches. Fortunately for Ulberg, his striking practice from Citykickboxing may pay dividends. However, with only two professional fights, big questions surround the New Zealander’s ground game. Get ready, Dana White’s Contender Series takes place this Wednesday at the UFC Apex, where fighters vie for a coveted contract.
