DWCS – Season 9, Week 5: Freddy Vidal vs Felipe Franco Preview & Prediction
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Originally scheduled as a light heavyweight bout, this clash now takes place at a catchweight after short-notice replacement Freddy Vidal missed weight by five pounds. Despite the setback, the fight goes ahead — with Vidal forfeiting 25% of his purse to opponent Felipe Franco.
Freddy Vidal vs Felipe Franco facts
What time are Freddy Vidal and Felipe Franco expected to walk out?
Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 5 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 5 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 5? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
DWCS – Season 9, Week 5 card
Steven Asplund vs Anthony Guarascio (Heavyweight)
Lerryan Douglas vs Cameron Teague (Featherweight)
Freddy Vidal vs Felipe Franco (Light Heavyweight)
Chasen Blair vs Samuel Sanches (Lightweight)
Shanelle Dyer vs Caroline Foro (Women’s Flyweight)
Freddy Vidal: “The Barbarian” looking to spoil the party
Freddy Vidal (3-0) took this fight on short notice after Franco had two previous opponents withdraw. Representing Longo’s MMA in New York — the same gym that produced champions like Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili, and Chris Weidman — Vidal enters with a strong wrestling background and an undefeated record as both an amateur and pro.
Known for his grappling-heavy style, Vidal likes to close the distance and take the fight to the mat. While he’s shown grit in overcoming adversity in previous bouts, his weight miss raises questions around his readiness for this opportunity.
Felipe Franco: Brazilian finisher looking to carry his streak into the Apex
Felipe Franco (8-0) brings a spotless record into the Octagon, with all eight wins coming via first-round finishes. A BJJ black belt with knockout power, the 24-year-old Brazilian is physically imposing, though still somewhat raw in terms of striking fluidity.
Franco fights out of Demo Fight — a promotion known for heavily one-sided matchmaking — so questions remain about the level of opposition he’s faced. Still, his early finish rate and aggression speak to his ability to capitalise quickly once he sees an opportunity.
Freddy Vidal vs Felipe Franco prediction
This is a difficult fight to call due to limited footage on Vidal, especially as he steps in on short notice and missed weight. Franco is untested at a high level, but his finishing rate, physicality, and grappling credentials make him a dangerous opponent.
Given Vidal’s lack of preparation time and Franco’s momentum, I’m leaning toward the Brazilian to get it done early once again.
Prediction: Felipe Franco to win
