Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 2 arrives on Tuesday with a number of familiar faces in tow. Not one, not two, but three fighters from previous DWCS seasons are returning, looking for a second chance, including Torrez Finney, who actually won his first DWCS fight by submission and remains undefeated as a pro.
With a UFC contract on the line, an impressive win is even more important for returning fighters, who could be on their last chance.
Welterweight, Pat Pytlik (9-1) Vs. Andreas Berg Gustafsson (10-2)
Notable Notes
- Dana says he doesn’t look at older fighters in their 30s but the main event has Pytlik who is 35 and Gustafsson who is 33.
- Pytlik got this opportunity because of his win in front of Dana White off an episode of Lookin’ For A Fight.
- Pytlik has a 100% finish rate and all wins come by KO/TKO. He never went the distance.
- Gustafsson has gone the distance three times and is 1-2 in those fights.
- Gustafsson had an extensive amateur career going 10-1.
- Gustafsson has a win over UFC fighter Christian Leroy Duncan as an amateur.
- Pytlik’s only loss comes to former UFC fighter Jake Lindsey
Pat Pytlik
Pros
- Good knees
- Solid cardio
- Crowds with punches
- Good pocket striker
- Dangerous head kick
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Struggles badly in the clinch
- Questionable fight IQ
Andreas Gustafsson
Pros
- Physically strong
- Dangerous is flurries
- Heavy ground and pound
- Fast starter
- Hits hard
- Tough as nails
- Dangerous in brawls
- Aggressive
Cons
- TDD needs some work
- Reckless
- Slows as the fight goes
- Takes a lot of damage
Prediction: I don’t think we should see guys in their 30s on DWCS but this one makes the exception. It’s also fine because they are at least fighting each other. Pytlik when he isn’t held against the cage is an exciting fighter. With Gustafsson, excitement is what he’s all about. In his last two fights, he won with a ten-second finish and a Fight of the Year contender.
This fight will determine how durable Pytlik is. Pytlik is the better fighter technically but with Gustafsson, you either have to hold him down or out-dog him. I don’t see Pytlik wrestling so I expect a banger. I’m not convinced Pytlik can go through a war. Gustafsson takes a ton of damage because he’s so reckless and his defense is taking it on the chin. He’s one of these guys that seem impossible to knock out. I’m going to pick Gustafsson by TKO in the third. Not super confident because Gustafsson is more entertaining than skilled but I’ll say I’m 55% confident.
