Dana White’s Contender Series: Azamat Nuftillaev vs Jovan Leka Preview & Prediction
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Serbia’s Jovan Leka takes on Uzbekistan’s Azamat Nuftillaev in a heavyweight showdown on the final episode of the season.
Azamat Nuftillaev vs Jovan Leka facts
What time are Azamat Nuftillaev and Jovan Leka expected to walk out?
Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 10? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 card
Michael Oliveira vs Victor Valenzuela (Welterweight)
Freddy Vidal vs Levi Rodrigues (Light Heavyweight)
Kwon Won-il vs Juan Diaz (Bantamweight)
Marwan Rahiki vs Ananias Mulumba (Featherweight)
Azamat Nuftillaev vs Jovan Leka (Heavyweight)
Mario Mingaj vs Wesley Schultz (Middleweight)
Azamat Nuftillaev: The veteran looking to prove his record is no illusion
Azamat “Dragon” Nuftillaev (17-1-1) enters the Contender Series with an impressive-looking résumé on paper, but one that doesn’t quite reflect his performances. The 31-year-old Uzbek heavyweight has recorded 11 knockout victories and rarely leaves fights to the judges, yet questions remain about the level of competition he has faced and the polish of his overall game.
Nuftillaev is at his best when he’s able to push forward, force a clinch, and work from top position. From there, he can land heavy elbows and short ground strikes to control the action. However, his wrestling technique is limited, often relying on raw strength rather than timing or set-ups to drag fights to the mat. On the feet, he tends to rush forward recklessly with wide looping punches, leaving him open to counters. His gas tank has also proven unreliable, and his striking defence breaks down when fatigue sets in.
Still, his toughness and aggression make him dangerous early, and if he can get on top, he’s more than capable of grinding out a round. But against a more patient, composed opponent, his flaws tend to stand out.
Jovan Leka: Serbia’s young prospect with room to grow
At just 23 years old, Serbia’s Jovan Leka (10-2) steps into this bout as the younger, fresher, and arguably more technical heavyweight. Despite being one of the lesser-known names on the card, Leka has quietly put together a solid record, with 60% of his wins coming by knockout or TKO — and importantly, he’s never been finished in his career.
Leka fights at a more measured pace, preferring to set up his attacks with leg kicks and use his range effectively. His ground-and-pound is solid when he gets the opportunity, and his elbows in the clinch are a consistent weapon. While his footwork and cardio are still developing, he shows a clearer sense of control than many of his peers, rarely overextending or throwing himself off balance. Defensively, he maintains a tighter guard and reads looping shots well — a useful trait against someone as wild as Nuftillaev.
He’s not a powerhouse in the traditional heavyweight sense, but Leka makes up for it with composure, accuracy, and an improving understanding of distance management. His durability and patience could be key assets against a pressure-heavy fighter who fades as fights progress.
Azamat Nuftillaev vs Jovan Leka prediction
This heavyweight clash may not deliver fireworks from start to finish, but it’s an interesting stylistic contrast between experience and youth. Nuftillaev will likely come out aggressively, looking to close the distance and make it an ugly fight early, but if Leka can stay calm and keep him at range, the Serbian should be able to capitalise on openings as the bout wears on.
Leka’s sharper technique, steadier pace, and composure under pressure could allow him to pick off the wilder Nuftillaev with straighter shots. While neither fighter boasts elite cardio, Leka appears to manage his energy more efficiently, and that could prove decisive if the fight extends beyond the first round.
Expect some scrappy moments, with Nuftillaev likely landing heavy in the opening exchanges, but over time, Leka’s youth, durability, and cleaner striking should tilt the fight in his favour.
Prediction: Jovan Leka to win via
