A couple of returning fighters, and another City Kickboxing product, will be among those in action on Week 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series. DWCS has been rolling right along this season, producing plenty of entertainment, and plenty of future UFC stars. Will we see more potential future players arrive in Week 6? Read on for our breakdown and predictions.
Lightweight, Dylan Mantello (8-3) vs. Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada (11-3)
Notable Notes
- Mantello lost last season on the CS losing to Kaynan Kruschewsky.
- Hassanzada lost on the CS in 2022 getting knocked out by Nazim Sadykhov.
- Mantello is a former Ring of Combat lightweight champion.
- Both have only gone to the scorecards a combined five times.
- Both train at predominant gyms. Mantello at Longo and Weidman MMA and Hassanzada at Team Alpha Male.
Dylan Mantello
Pros
- Good straight punches
- Deceptive power
- Submission threat
- Good bodywork
Cons
- Gives up his back
- Loose in grappling positions
- Lacks head movement
- TDD needs work
- Incredibly slow
Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada
Pros
- Submission threat
- Dangerous off his back
- Scrambles well
- Good elbows
- Good long punches
- Long jab
- Active diverse submission attack
- Good ground and pound
Cons
- Poor TDD
- Too comfortable off his back
- Questionable chin
- Easily hit
Prediction: Both these guys were on the Contender Series before and both were put away. Neither have done anything since to be given another chance but here we are. Neither guy is near UFC level. This is a fight you see in LFA. The only good thing is that this could turn out to be a slobber knocker.
Mantello takes a ton of damage in his fights and Hassanzada gets dropped every fight or just about. Between the two it’s basically a matter of whose chin holds up. I like the striking of Mantello more. Although his hand speed is slow he does have good technique and power.
Where Hassanzada could take advantage would be on the mat. Also, as long as the fight goes I value the cardio of Hassanzada more. I don’t see it lasting too long though. I see both trading in the pocket and Mantello landing the kill shot. Hassanzada is just too chiny and too willing to trade in the pocket. I trust the chin of Mantello more. I’ve got Mantello by knockout in round one and I’m 25% confident.
