Dana White's Contender Series: Season 8, Week 8 - Diyar Nurgozhay vs Bartosz Szewczyk Fight Preview

In the light heavyweight main event of Dana White's Contender Series: Season 8, Week 8, Diyar Nurgozhay of Kazakhstan takes on Bartosz Szewczyk of Poland. Both fighters are hungry for a UFC contract, and this bout could very well determine their future in the promotion. Nurgozhay enters undefeated, while Szewczyk has shown consistent knockout power throughout his career, setting up an explosive encounter.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Diyar Nurgozhay

Diyar Nurgozhay is a 27-year-old light heavyweight from Kazakhstan, training with Arlan MMA Pro Team. Nurgozhay boasts a perfect record of 9-0-0, with 5 wins by knockout and 2 by submission. He’s a versatile fighter who can finish the fight both standing and on the ground, using his striking and grappling to dominate his opponents.

Nurgozhay’s most recent win came via first-round TKO over Emiliano Sordi at UAE Warriors 50. His victories often come in the early rounds, and he has yet to taste defeat in his professional career, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in the light heavyweight division.

Bartosz Szewczyk

Bartosz Szewczyk, a 27-year-old light heavyweight from Poland, fights out of Ankos MMA. He holds a record of 8-2-1, with 6 knockout victories and 1 submission win. Szewczyk is a dangerous striker, consistently finishing his opponents with punches, and he has a reputation for his durability and toughness inside the cage.

Szewczyk’s last fight saw him claim the FEN Championship belt with a third-round knockout victory over Marcin Łazarz at FEN 52. He has also proven he can go the distance, surviving tough fights and earning split-decision wins. His power, combined with his experience, makes him a legitimate threat to Nurgozhay’s unbeaten streak.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Diyar Nurgozhay

Nurgozhay is an all-around fighter, but his knockout power stands out as one of his key weapons. With 5 KO/TKO victories, he has shown the ability to finish opponents with striking. Additionally, his submission game adds another layer to his skill set, with 2 submission victories under his belt, showcasing his versatility.

Nurgozhay tends to start strong, often finishing fights in the first round, making him a fast starter who can overwhelm opponents early. His southpaw stance also provides a unique challenge for his orthodox opponents, allowing him to land clean shots from unconventional angles.

Bartosz Szewczyk

Szewczyk is primarily a striker, known for his knockout power and aggressive fighting style. With 6 wins by KO/TKO, he has ended most of his fights with his fists. Szewczyk’s striking is relentless, and he has a tendency to push forward, breaking his opponents with pressure.

Szewczyk’s durability is also one of his strongest assets. He has fought to decisions on multiple occasions and shown the ability to maintain his power and effectiveness deep into the fight. While he is primarily known for his striking, he also holds a submission victory, proving he can adapt if necessary.

Recent Performances and Fight Analysis

Diyar Nurgozhay

Nurgozhay has been dominant throughout his career, finishing most of his fights in the first round. His win over Emiliano Sordi via TKO in the first round of UAE Warriors 50 demonstrated his explosive power and ability to capitalize on openings. His submission win over Abbosbek Usarov via kimura shows his effectiveness in grappling exchanges as well.

Against Szewczyk, Nurgozhay will likely look to mix up his striking and grappling to keep his opponent guessing. His ability to finish fights early makes him dangerous, and if he can dictate the pace, he may overwhelm Szewczyk before the Polish fighter finds his rhythm.

Bartosz Szewczyk

Szewczyk’s most recent performance was a third-round knockout victory over Marcin Łazarz in FEN 52, where he captured the light heavyweight championship. His knockout power was on full display in that fight, and his ability to finish fights in the later rounds adds to his appeal as a dangerous fighter at any point in the bout.

Against Nurgozhay, Szewczyk will look to use his striking to force Nurgozhay into uncomfortable exchanges. If he can keep the fight standing and avoid Nurgozhay’s grappling, Szewczyk’s knockout power may prove to be the difference maker.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Diyar Nurgozhay	-125
Bartosz Szewczyk	-105

The odds are close for this light heavyweight contest, with Nurgozhay slightly favored at -125 and Szewczyk coming in at -105. This close margin reflects the evenly matched nature of the bout, with both fighters presenting serious threats to one another.

Keys to Victory

Diyar Nurgozhay

• Mix Striking and Grappling: Nurgozhay should use his well-rounded skill set to keep Szewczyk guessing. If he can land strikes while threatening with takedowns, he can disrupt Szewczyk’s rhythm.
• Start Fast: Nurgozhay often finishes fights in the first round. If he can maintain his aggressive pace early, he may be able to finish Szewczyk before the fight goes deep.
• Defend Against Power Strikes: Szewczyk’s knockout power is a real threat, and Nurgozhay must avoid getting caught in heavy exchanges with the Polish striker.

Bartosz Szewczyk

• Keep the Fight Standing: Szewczyk’s strength lies in his striking, and he needs to avoid the ground where Nurgozhay can use his submission game.
• Pressure and Wear Down Nurgozhay: Szewczyk should use his size advantage and constant pressure to force Nurgozhay into mistakes, particularly in striking exchanges.
• Look for the KO: Szewczyk’s best path to victory is through his striking. If he can land clean shots, he has the power to end the fight at any moment.

 

Prediction