There are just a few weeks left in DWCS 2024, and a lot of fighters who still want to cash in an opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series for a UFC contract.
Week Eight rolls around on Tuesday, with Torrez Finney arguably the star of the show. This will be Finney’s third appearance on the Contender Series and he has never lost. Not on the show, not in his professional career. The problem is, he hasn’t done enough to impress Dana White and the matchmakers just yet. In particular, White was critical of Finney’s strength of schedule between his 2023 DWCS appearance and one earlier this season, where he fought just once.
Still, it was enough for Finney to be brought back a second time in 2024, for what may very well be his final shot at the UFC. That and other fights are looming so let’s break them down!
Light heavyweight, Diyar Nurgozhay (9-0) vs Bartosz Szewczyk (8-2-1)
Notable notes
- Nurgozhay is the first fighter from Kazakhstan to fight on the Contender Series.
- This will be the US debut for both guys.
- Szewczyk is the current FEN light heavyweight champion.
- Nurgozhay has seven first-round finishes.
- Nurgozhay has a win over PFL 2019 205-pound champion Emiliano Sordi.
- Szewczyk recently avenged the last loss on his record.
- Nurgozhay is the former Eagle FC light heavyweight champion.
Diyar Nurgozhay
Pros
- Smashing ground and pound
- Submission threat
- Heavy top position
- Good kicks
Cons
- Plodding footwork
- Poor cardio
- Lacks control in dominant positions
- TDD needs work
Bartosz Szewczyk
Pros
- Hits hard
- Good kicks
- Decent lead jab
- Dangerous in burst
- Attacks from both sides well
- Dangerous head kick
Cons
- Questionable cardio
- Engages carelessly
- Hands low
Boxing: Szewczyk
Kickboxing: Szewczyk
Speed: Szewczyk
Output/Volume: Nurgozhay
Footwork/Movement: Szewczyk
Striking defense: Nurgozhay
Wrestling: Nurgozhay
Grappling: Nurgozhay
Gas tank: Szewczyk
Prediction: When it comes to Nurgozhay, he’s pretty limited with just about nothing to offer on the feet. His wrestling isn’t that good either, but he is a threat if he gets the takedown.
Nurgozhay is a bit of a submission threat but I wouldn’t bet he could hold a dominant position. He does throw some mauling ground and pound, that being his best weapon.
Szewczyk is someone I didn’t like at all when I first scouted him, but he’s improved a lot. His cardio and technique have improved a lot in particular. Not saying he’s great but he’s noticeably improved. Nothing sticks out technically but he hits hard and can come at opponents from anywhere. I really like the way he’ll attack and end a flurry with a head kick.
This a tough fight to call on DWCS this week and I can see it going a few ways. I can see Szewczyk just keeping Nurgozhay at bay and finding an eventual finish. I can see Nurgozhay just rushing in and catching Szewczyk. I can see Nurgozhay being able to get the takedown and smash the Polish fighter. To even my surprise I’m leaning towards Szewczyk. I’m just so not a fan of the stand-up, cardio, movement, and wrestling of Nurgozhay. I’ve seen Szewczyk stuff better takedown attempts and in a striking fight, I strongly favor the bigger, faster, and more athletic Szewczyk. I’ve got Szewczyk by third-round TKO and I’m 30% confident.
