Dana White’s Contender Series: Mario Mingaj vs Wesley Schultz Preview & Prediction
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Wesley Schultz meets Mario Mingaj in the middleweight curtain-raiser of week 10 of this season.
Mario Mingaj vs Wesley Schultz facts
What time are Mario Mingaj and Wesley Schultz 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)
Mario Mingaj: Italy’s slick grappler returns from a year out
Italian prospect Mario Mingaj (7-0) arrives on the Contender Series as an undefeated submission specialist, having most recently competed in Cage Warriors — widely regarded as the UK’s top regional promotion. Five of his seven wins have come by submission, highlighting his clear preference for grappling exchanges over striking battles.
Mingaj’s long frame gives him leverage in scrambles, and he’s dangerous when attacking from his guard, often looking for triangles or armbars off his back. However, his approach is extremely high-risk; he’s comfortable being taken down and will even pull guard to hunt submissions. On the feet, he flicks out a rangy jab but lacks fluid combinations, sometimes rushing in with elbows that leave him exposed to counters. After almost a year away from competition, the big question will be whether he’s made adjustments to his wrestling and defensive habits.
Wesley Schultz: Redemption shot for the hard-nosed American
Wesley Schultz (7-2) gets another chance under the Contender Series lights after falling short last season against Mansur Abdul-Malik — who now holds an undefeated record in the UFC. The 29-year-old American has since bounced back impressively, picking up a quick first-round submission win and extending his LFA record to 4-1.
Schultz is a gritty, workmanlike fighter who leans on positional grappling, relentless scrambles, and steady ground-and-pound. He’s constantly pushing forward, looking to impose his pace and drag opponents into tiring exchanges. While his striking remains unrefined, his willingness to pressure and work at a high tempo sets him apart from many regional middleweights. He’s not explosive, but he’s dogged — and that persistence often wears opponents down.
Mario Mingaj vs Wesley Schultz prediction
Both fighters share similarities — they’re grappling-focused middleweights with limited striking arsenals — but Schultz has shown the greater drive and experience against stronger competition. Mingaj is creative off his back, yet his habit of pulling guard and waiting for openings could prove costly against a grinder like Schultz, who prefers to stay active, advance position, and deal damage from the top.
Mingaj’s submission threat makes every exchange dangerous, but Schultz’s experience against tougher opponents, particularly his previous test against a now-UFC-calibre fighter, gives him an important edge in composure and fight IQ. Expect him to dictate the pace, control the grappling exchanges, and chip away with pressure and ground strikes.
Prediction: Wesley Schultz to win via decision
