This Tuesday’s edition of Dana White’s Contender Series is a very, very interesting affair. From a fighter who nearly hung up the gloves years ago in Dinis Paiva, to a BJJ ace in Gregory Rodrigues, to the debut of a Team USA boxer in Danyelle Wolf, there are plenty of fighters on this week’s DWCS card to keep an eye on.
There’s also a first, as Wolf, who featured in over 80 amateur boxing matches and was a multiple time amateur champ, will be making her MMA debut. Which means she’s an 0-0 fighter, a first for the show. Competing at featherweight no less.
Now on to the predictions and breakdown.
Middleweight: Jordan Williams vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Tale of the Tape
29-years-old
6’0″
76″ Reach
Santa Rosa, California, US
Nor-Cal Fighting Alliance
8-3, 1 NC
28-years-old
6’2″
76″ Reach
Manaus, Brazil
XGym
7-2
Pros and Cons
Jordan Williams
Pros
- Solid ground and pound
- Power in his hands
- A good jab
- Throws good combinations
- Good wrestling
- Thrives in scrambles
- Good top position
- Is always staying active
Cons
- Head movement needs work
- Slows as the fight goes
Gregory RodriguesPros
- Excellent BJJ
- Strong wrestling/trips in the clinch
- Dangerous off his back
- Hits hard
- Good right hand
- Big submission threat
Cons
- No head movement
- Cardio needs work
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Williams
Speed: Williams
Output/Volume: Williams
Knockout Power: Williams
Chin: Even
Kickboxing: Williams
Footwork: Williams
Wrestling: Rodrigues
Grappling: Rodrigues
Submissions: Rodrigues
Cardio: Williams
Prediction
Rodrigues is a BJJ ace as he is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. There is little to no doubt Rodrigues has the advantage in the grappling department, but whether he can take Williams down is the question. Williams hasn’t particularly shown he’s able to be out-wrestled, but Rodrigues is a big strong guy that could very well muscle him around.
This is one of those fights that could go two very different ways. It’s either going to be Rodrigues early, or we’ll see Williams (in his third DWCS showing) take over in the later rounds. I’m leaning toward Williams because he’s fought the better competition overall, and has been getting better with each fight. I like Rodrigues and I think he’s UFC level, but I don’t think he can neutralize Williams the entire fight.
We caught up with Rodrigues ahead of the fight — catch the full interview below.
