Dana White's Contender Series Week 2 Picks and Odds: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Danilo Suzart Best Bets

Dana White's Contender Series Week 2 Picks and Odds: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Danilo Suzart Best Bets

Dana White's Contender Series: Season 6, Week 2 Start Time and Where to Watch

• Date: Tuesday, August 2, 2022
• Time: 8:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. PDT
• Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• Where to Watch: ESPN+

All Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Dana White's Contender Series is back tonight for the second episode of the sixth season. Dana made it very clear that the fighters had to show they wanted to be there and wanted to finish the fight after awarding just one contract on last week's card. Three of the four fights last week went to decision, and the only man to finish a fight, Joe Pyfer, was awarded a UFC contract. Therefore, I think this week's fighters got the message and will have an extra push to be a bit more aggressive. One fight I believe will end early is the heavyweight bout between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Danilo Suzart.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Danilo Suzart Prediction

This is the first heavyweight fight of this season of the Contender Series, and it is headlined by two budding prospects in the heavyweight division. Acosta is coming off an impressive LFA title win after finishing fellow heavyweight prospect Thomas Petersen in the third round. Petersen was undefeated entering the fight and had a tough chin. Acosta's power and relentless pressure proved to be too much for Petersen. Acosta has a large frame and is 6' 4" with an 80-inch reach. He has fast hands, and he also has a kimura submission on his record.

Across the cage will be Danilo Suzart, who is 9-1 with six knockouts. Suzart will be the smaller fighter tonight, as he is just 6' 0". I suspect Suzart will try to shorten the range to neutralize his reach disadvantage, ultimately standing and trading with Acosta. They will be fighting in a phone booth for most of the fight because of Suzart's style, and Acosta is more than happy to be the counter-striker, as he has accurate hands.

Ultimately, I don't see this fight lasting long. Both men have incredible power, and heavyweight fights often take one big blow to end it all. Given Dana White's words after last week, that will only amplify the pressure and aggressiveness from both fighters. I see Acosta coming out on top, given Suzart will be the one overextending, and Acosta can land a nasty counter shot off his back foot. Take the under and a quick finish for Acosta here.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Danilo Suzart Pick

• Acosta Wins in Round 1 (+175) (Bet $100 to Win $175)
• 2U: Acosta/Suzart Under 1.5 Rounds (-135) (Bet $135 to Win $100)

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page