We’re quickly approaching the end of this latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series, and Season 5, Week 8 was likely to see the total number of contracts handed out in Season 3 matched if not surpassed. The 2019 edition of DWCS handed out 30 UFC contracts; last season dished out a total of 37. Prior to Tuesday’s installment, which saw Caio Borralho get his second chance on the show in a matter of weeks, 28 deals had been handed out in Season 5.
We’ve got five more fights to break down this week, so lets get to it!
Welterweight: Solomon Renfro Vs. Jonny Parsons
Tale of the Tape
24-years-old
5’9″
Elmwood Park, New Jersey, US
Tiger Schulmann’s MMA
8-1
Five decision wins
30-years-old
5’10″
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Syndicate MMA
7-2
6 KO/TKOs
Pros and Cons
Solomon Renfro
Pros
- Physically strong
- Good wrestling
- Fast hands
- Clubbing power
- Heavy leg kicks
- Hits hard
- Good bodywork
- Strong jab
Cons
- Lacks head movement
- Can be flat-footed
- Suspect cardio
Jonny Parsons
Pros
- Heavy hands
- Good vision
- Patient
- Good ground and pound
- Good counter striker
- Dangerous in exchanges
- Good bodywork
Cons
- Flat-footed
- Easily hit
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Renfro
Speed: Renfro
Output/Volume: Renfro
Knockout Power: Renfro
Chin: Parsons
Kickboxing: Even
Footwork: Renfro
Wrestling: Renfro
Grappling: Renfro
Submissions: Renfro
Cardio: Parsons
Prediction
It’s evident that Renfro has massively improved over his last few fights. Early as a pro Renfro was winning close fights and wasn’t performing to the best of his ability. Ever since training at Tiger Schulmann he’s a much better fighter. Even his loss to Mike Malott, he was winning until he got caught.
I expect a striking battle but Renfro has a clear wrestling and grappling advantage if he wants it. Both guys are flat-footed pocket strikers with a lot of power. Renfro has adopted that Muay Thai base at Tiger Schulmann throwing heavy leg kicks and sitting down more on his punches. As a striker I strongly favor Renfro. Compared to Parsons he’s much faster, more explosive, and more powerful. The only concern for him is that Parsons is tough, and additionally there’s a question as to how Renfro will look deep in this fight if it gets there. That said I don’t think it gets there. I think Renfro is too much against someone much slower and stationary. Betting wise I like the Renfro money line and to go for even more I like him by submission as well.
