Dana White’s Contender Series: Magomed Zaynukov vs Lucas Caldas Preview & Prediction
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Lightweights serve as the main event of Week 9, as Magomed Zaynukov takes on Lucas Caldas in a 155 pound showdown.
Magomed Zaynukov vs Lucas Caldas facts
What time are Magomed Zaynukov and Lucas Caldas expected to walk out?
Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 9? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 card
Magomed Zaynukov vs Lucas Caldas (Lightweight)
Adrian Luna Martinetti vs Mark Vologdin (Bantamweight)
Rafael Pergentino vs Luke Hernandez (Light Heavyweight)
Donavon Hedrick vs Luis Felipe Dias (Middleweight)
Imanol Rodriguez vs Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. (Flyweight)
Magomed Zaynukov: Will "Wild Chanco" score his sixth career KO to earn a chance at his UFC dreams?
With five gnarly KO victories to his name already, undefeated Russian, Magomed Zaynukov (7-0) has the look of a man could well be a UFC ready fighter. An aggressive Muay Thai striker who throws everything with first-rate technique, "Wild Chanco" has scored victories over decent levels of competition in the decent Emirate promotion, UAE Warriors, showcasing his ability to win a hard fought decision over three rounds if he isn't able to find an early finish.
Lucas Caldas: The heavy-handed Brazilian looks to play spoiler at the expense of his Russia foe
With a 100% finish rate in his professional career, the sole defeat on the record of Lucas Caldas (6-1) is a DQ loss due to illegal stomps. A striker who has also competed in professional Muay Thai and kickboxing outside of MMA, the 29 year old Brazilian has finished all of his victories bar one in the very first round, underlining the considerable danger that he poses during the early stages of a fight. At 6'0, Caldas is well-sized for the division, having also fought at welterweight throughout his career.
Magomed Zaynukov vs Lucas Caldas prediction
Caldas' KO power means that he's a threat to score the upset in this one, but Zaynukov still figures to be the safe pick here.
Competing in what is close to his athletic prime at the age of the 30, the Russian has fought and defeated better levels of competition than his Brazilian opponent throughout his career to date. He looks to have the better technique when it comes to pure striking and he doesn't take as many risks on the feet as the ultra aggressive Caldas.
Notwithstanding what appears to be an edge in the striking department, as with most Russian prospects, Zaynukov also figures to have serviceable wrestling at the very least to fall back upon. The same cannot be said for Caldas, who looks to be entirely reliant on winning the fight on the feet.
As such, while Caldas could well play spoiler, it's hard to pick against the fighter with a better resume and who seemingly has more routes to victory.
Prediction: Magomed Zaynukov to win
