DWCS 2024 wraps up on Tuesday, October 15 with Episode 10, one final opportunity for a handful of UFC hopefuls to break into the world’s leading MMA promotion.
Among those in action, Nick Piccininni returns for the second time on the Contender Series this year. Piccininni was supposed to face off in a rematch with Jack Duffy, after their first fight ended in a split decision. However, Duffy is out, and Piccininni now has a new opponent. Five more fights, one more episode, UFC contracts on the line. Let’s go!
Middleweight, Nick Klein (5-1) Vs. Heraldo Souza (9-1-1)
Notable Notes
- Klein is taking this fight on short notice.
- Klein has finished three of his five wins in under a minute.
- Souza is normally a welterweight. This will be his second bout at middleweight.
- Souza is the SFT welterweight champion.
- Souza’s only loss comes to Vanilto Antunes who fought this season.
- Klein’s only loss comes to DWCS alum, Collin Huckbody.
- This is the third different opponent scheduled for Souza.
Nick Klein
Pros
- Credible wrestler
- Good ground and pound
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Struggles against pressure
- Hands low
- Stands squared
Heraldo Souza
Pros
- Submission threat
- Good ground and pound
- High guard
- Combination puncher
- Good bodywork
- Knockout power
- Clean hands
- Good jiu-jitsu
Cons
- Terrible cardio
Prediction: Souza’s pros outweigh his cons but really his sole con is his cardio, which is so detrimental to his game.
If Souza had better cardio he’d be a quality fighter. He’s got the striking and basic cardio but when you’re gassing after three minutes you’re not going to fare well. Klein has some cardio issues as well but not to the extent of Souza.
Klein is taking this fight on short notice. After going over his tape I was severely underwhelmed. I can’t really tell anyone what he does well besides maybe being a grinder. That may work in his favor here considering Souza is dead in the water the longer the fight goes.
This is a fight Souza should win. He’s a much better fighter everywhere. Maybe his cardio is a problem but he should put Klein away before it’s a real issue. I’ve got Souza by first-round knockout and I’m 40% confident.
