Dana White’s Contender Series 31 takes place on Tuesday, September 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the full card, and here they are.
Opening Odds For Dana White’s Contender Series 31
William Knight -150
Cody Brundage +120
Tucker Lutz -400
Chase Gibson +300
Jose Johnson -210
Ronnie Lawrence +170
Jimmy Flick -165
Nate Smith +135
Melsik Baghdasaryan -155
Dennis Buzukja +125
Here are my initial thoughts on the Opening Odds For Dana White’s Contender Series 31:
- In light heavyweight action, we have Knight (7-1) taking on Brundage (5-0). The 32-year-old Knight competed on the last season of the Contender Series and won his fight by knockout but wasn’t signed. Since then he has gone 2-1 on the regional scene with a pair of knockout wins and his first career loss, a TKO defeat. As for the 26-year-old Brundage, he made his pro debut in 2019 and has won all five of his fights, including four by stoppage. Both of these guys are very good light heavyweight prospects and both might fight for the UFC eventually. With Knight having more experience I have to lean there, but Brundage can pull off the upset.
- In a lightweight bout, Lutz (9-1) faces Gibson (9-4). The 26-year-old Lutz lost his pro debut but since then has won all nine of his fights, with the majority of his wins coming by stoppage. As for the 30-year-old Gibson, he’s won his last two fights by stoppage. Both guys have finishing potential but Lutz seems to be the more solid fighter and no surprise he’s a big favorite here.
- At bantamweight, Johnson (11-5) takes on Lawrence (5-1). The 25-year-old Johnson is an LFA vet and he has won five straight fights by knockout. As for the 28-year-old Lawrence, he’s also an LFA vet as well as a Bellator veteran. He’s won two straight fights heading into this bout. It’s another tricky fight to pick but Johnson’s winning streak is too hard for me to ignore here.
- At flyweight, Flick (14-5) fights Smith (6-0). The 29-year-old Flick won the LFA flyweight title in his last fight and overall he’s a guy with a ton of experience. As for the 25-year-old Smith, he’s won all six of his pro fights including a win in LFA his last time out. We all know the UFC is always looking for flyweights so I expect the winner of this bout to get signed. Smith is a nice prospect but Flick is a more polished and experienced fighter and I believe he wins this fight.
- And finally, at featherweight Baghdasaryan (4-1) faces Buzukja (4-1). The 28-year-old Baghdasaryan lost his MMA debut back in 2014 and took five years off of active competition. Since returning to MMA in 2019, Baghdasaryan has won all four of his fights by knockout. As for the Buzukja, he’s a Ring of Combat and Bellator veteran who has won his last three fights. This fight has competitive odds for a reason and that’s because it really could go either way. I view it as a Pick ’em type of fight where anyone could come away with their hand raised.
