Dana White’s Contender Series returns this Tuesday for its second show of 2023, offering UFC contracts on the line for rising prospects.

In this week’s main event, Cage Warriors Lightweight champion George Hardwick faces off with Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady, also featuring undefeated talents like Eduarda Moura, Janaina Silva, and Hyder Amil.

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Abdul Kareem Al-Selwady (14-3) vs. George Hardwick (12-1) (LW)

I’m disappointed we’re seeing this fight here and not just as an addition to UFC London or Paris, as both these fighters are UFC level. Al-Selwady is a technical specimen and mixes it attack up well, but will have his main advantages grappling here. Hardwick’s boxing and speed on the feet are second-to-none and I see him piecing up Al-Selwady if this stays standing. I actually think Hardwick’s grappling is underrated and think he has all the tools to secure the finish and contract.

My Pick: George Hardwick via Knockout

Eduarda Moura (8-0) vs. Janaina Silva (5-0) (SW)

There is more film available on Silva, but both these fighter have beat up poor competition to get here. Moura has a mix of finishes on her record but there is no tape available, while Silva does her best work striking at distance, though she leaves many defensive holes on the feet and the mat. I’m siding with Moura here, primarily due to my lack of confidence in Silva.

My Pick: Eduarda Moura via Decision

Hyder Amil (7-0) vs. Emrah Sonmez (14-4) (FTW)

I’m really excited for this match as both fight with a high pace and I expect action throughout the fight. Amil is a brawler with excellent cardio bringing in four knockout wins and experience in the LFA and Bellator. Sonmez is well-rounded with eight knockout wins but also has fantastic wrestling, grinding opponents out from top position. I see Sonmez scoring early takedowns and racking up control, but the superior volume and gas tank of Amil taking over for a late knockout or close decision win.

My Pick: Hyder Amil via Decision

Paulo Renato Jr. (12-2) vs. Ibo Aslan (11-1) (LHW)

After a loss on last year’s Contender Series, Renato picked up two finishes over truly horrible opposition on the regional circuit. A heavy striker with constant forward pressure, Renato has poor grappling and cardio and also gets tagged often on the feet. Aslan has also faced poor opposition and a sloppy but aggressive striking style, but strikes me as the one with less defensive holes on the feet and brings much more strike variety, as well as the wrestling upside in this match. I see Aslan pounding out Renato in violent fashion to earn a contract.

My Pick: Ibo Aslan via Knockout

Cam Smotherman (8-3) vs. Charalampos Grigoriou (7-3) (BW)

What a banger in our opener. Both fighters here bring a fun to watch striking style, though Smotherman has really showcased his striking ability on his way to winning the Fury FC title picking up two impressive knockouts in his last two performances. Grigoriou made his name in CFFC and also has a high octane striking style, though he is much more explosive than Smotherman, who has better technique. Grigoriou’s path to victory is on the mat, as Smotherman can be controlled fairly easily. However, Grigoriou doesn’t often go to his wrestling and I see the forward movement and combinations of Smotherman racking up significant strikes for a decision.

My Pick: Cam Smotherman via Decision

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