It’s that time of year again. For fight fans, especially fans of up-and-coming prospects trying to crack the UFC roster, it’s basically Christmas. That’s thanks to Dana White’s Contender Series returning this Tuesday.
The first episode of Contender Series season six includes some familiar names, including Ozzy Diaz, who has turned up in fights for Bellator MMA and LFA over the years, and Farid Basharat, whose brother took home a UFC contract on the Contender Series last season. Who will lock up deals in week one of DWCS Season 6? Read on for our picks and predictions.
Middleweight: Ozzy Diaz (7-1) Vs. Joseph Pyfer (8-2)
Tale of the Tape
31-years-old
6’4″
Los Angeles, California, US
California Mixed Martial Arts
7-1
5 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 31-18
25-years-old
6’1″
Medina, Pennsylvania, US
Daniel Gracie Gym
8-2
5 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 35-37
Pros and Cons
Ozzy Diaz
Pros
- Accurate striker
- Good leg kicks
- Stiff jab
- Dangerous counter striker
- Fast starter
- Good leg kicks
Cons
- Vulnerable in exchanges
- Head sits on the centerline
Joseph Pyfer
Pros
- Physically strong
- Heavy ground and pound
- Heavy hands
- Aggressive
- Strong wrestling
- Good top control
Cons
- Cardio needs work
- Needs to move his head more
- Questionable chin
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Diaz
Speed: Diaz
Output/Volume: Diaz
Kickboxing: Diaz
Striking defense: Even
Footwork/movement: Diaz
Wrestling: Pyfer
Grappling: Pyfer
More likely to finish on the mat: Pyfer
Gas tank: Diaz
Prediction: This is, to put it simply, a fun fight between two dangerous strikers.
Pyfer has more ways to win by being a better wrestler and grappler. Saying that, I don’t rate those areas highly for Pyfer. I believe this fight stays standing for the most part and there I favor Diaz.
While Pyfer is very capable of catching Diaz, I like Diaz due to the better fundamentals. Pyfer likes to throw some wide bombs and the best way to beat that is to snipe down the middle with the jab. Diaz has that ability to jab and counter the wider striking of Pyfer. If Pyfer does have success with wrestling, he won’t be able to sustain his gas tank if he doesn’t finish early. I like Diaz in this fight and I predict him to catch Pyfer slipping coming in.
