We’re almost at the midway point of this season of the Contender Series, and we’re in for another night of five red-hot fights from the UFC Apex.

In the “main event”, undefeated LFA champ Bruno Lopes takes on Brendson Ribeiro in a Light Heavyweight clash unlikely to make it to the judges, while undefeated Argentinian Kevin Vallejos also looks to impress the boss on the undercard.

Bruno Lopes (11-0) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (14-5) (LHW)

My Pick: Bruno Lopes via Knockout

Serhiy Sidey (9-1) vs. Ramon Taveras (8-1) (BW)

My Pick: Serhiy Sidey via Knockout

Chad Hanekom (9-2) vs. Dylan Budka (6-2) (MW)

This is actually the bout I’m most excited for on the entire card. I am a fan of both fighters and would love to see both in the UFC. The fans are in for a real treat in this one as Hanekom has heavy hands and relentlessly pushes for takedowns, while Budka has shown he is able to keep a high pace for five full rounds and mixes up his wrestling and striking well, though his own takedown defense was somewhat porous in his loss to Azamat Bekoev. I love that Budka is taking this fight on short notice, despite picking up a finish at Heavyweight just a little over a week ago, though the caliber of his opponent leads me to believe it was primarily a tune-up fight for his record. I think we see a close yet high-action contest with both fighters pushing the pace on the feet and the mat for three full rounds, as both are incredibly durable. I expect Budka to control this fight on the mat and keep a solid volume for an entertaining but close decision win.

My Pick: Dylan Budka via Decision

Jean Silva (10-2) vs. Kevin Vallejos (11-0) (FTW)

My Pick: Kevin Vallejos via Decision

Dione Barbosa (5-2) vs. Rainn Guerrero (5-1) (BW)

My Pick: Dione Barbosa via Decision