Dana White’s Contender Series is back this Tuesday with UFC contracts on the line for up-and-coming prospects.

In the main event, undefeated kickboxing veteran Cesar Almeida faces off with Lucas Fernando, while undefeated prospects like Tom Nolan and Payton Talbott look for statement victories.

---

Cesar Almeida (3-0) vs. Lucas Fernando (9-1) (MW)

Cesar Almeida has a high level kickboxing background, having faced Pereira multiple times in Glory, but is now 35 and hasn’t fought MMA in two years. Fernando recently won the LFA Middleweight belt with a fourth round knockout and has displayed constant improvement from fight to fight. He has the superior striking offense and will control range much better, along with a massive edge in wrestling and grappling. I see him dominating this fight after Almeida’s gas tank wanes for a finish.

My Pick: Lucas Fernando via Knockout

Tom Nolan (5-0) vs. Bogdan Grad (11-1) (LW)

This is the closest bout on the card to me and I think both have winnable fights in the UFC. Nolan is coming off the Australian regional scene with three knockout wins to his name and will benefit from a tremendous size advantage here at 6’3”. Grad is more tenured and has better technique, though he is often reliant on controlling range, which he will struggle to do here. Grad also has the grappling upside in this one, but I see Nolan teeing off on Grad on the feet, especially as the fight goes on, for a narrow decision victory.

My Pick: Tom Nolan via Decision

Caio Machado (7-1-1) vs. Kevin Szaflarski (11-1) (HW)

Both these fighters are taking a massive step up in competition and I expect a wild first round. Machado has shown his quick finishing ability on the feet and the mat, while Szaflarski’s edge in experience and wrestling loom large. I think Machado’s speed will be the key difference maker, keeping the fight at a high pace and exploiting Szaflarski’s main weakness for a quick finish., though I don’t view either as having a high ceiling in the UFC.

My Pick: Caio Machado via Knockout

Payton Talbott (5-0) vs. Reyes Cortez (7-2) (BW)

Talbott is one of the best undefeated prospects out there right now with dynamic striking and excellent head movement, also boasting solid takedown defense. Cortez, sister of UFC Flyweight Tracy Cortez, is the more technical boxer but will likely be on the wrong end of the volume and power differential. While Cortez likely has the advantage on the ground, I don’t see him getting past Talbott’s TDD, who I see picking apart Cortez for a decision at range.

My Pick: Payton Talbott via Decision

Kevin Borjas (8-1) vs. Victor Dias (11-2) (FLW)

Borjas is getting his third opponent for this card and I still think it’s a tough out for him. While an exciting striker with heavy power, Borjas lacks the combination striking to consistently land on target and presents many defensive holes, particularly on the ground. While Dias’ striking still needs some work, it’s enough to keep him out of danger long enough here to get this to the mat, where his massive edge in BJJ will be evident.

My Pick: Victor Dias via Submission

---