Dana White's Contender Series: Season 8, Week 4 - Will Currie vs. Djorden Santos Preview and Prediction

On September 3, 2024, Dana White's Contender Series: Season 8, Week 4 will feature an exciting middleweight matchup between England's Will Currie and Brazil's Djorden Santos. Both fighters have established themselves as top prospects, and this fight represents a significant opportunity to earn a UFC contract. This article offers a detailed analysis of the fighters' backgrounds, styles, recent performances, and a prediction for the outcome.

 

Event Overview

The middleweight clash between Will Currie and Djorden Santos is one of the most anticipated bouts on the card for Week 4 of Dana White's Contender Series. Currie, known for his grappling prowess, will face off against the dangerous striker and submission specialist Santos. Both fighters bring an array of skills to the cage, promising a competitive and thrilling contest.

 

Fight Odds

Fighter	Moneyline	Total Rounds
Will Currie	-200	Over 1.5 rounds -120
Djorden Santos	+170	Under 1.5 rounds -110

 

Will Currie: The English Grappler

Background and Career Highlights

Will Currie, nicknamed "Drago," is a 25-year-old middleweight prospect from England. Standing 6'3" tall and weighing in at 185 lbs, Currie has an impressive record of 12-3-0. Training out of England, Currie is known for his grappling skills, with six of his twelve wins coming by submission. Currie has competed in notable organizations like Cage Warriors, where he has faced tough competition and gained valuable experience.

Currie’s most recent victory was a TKO win over Leon Aliu in March 2024 at Cage Warriors 169. This performance showcased his improving striking skills and ability to finish fights. With a blend of grappling and striking, Currie is a well-rounded fighter looking to secure a UFC contract.

 

Fighting Style and Strengths

Will Currie's fighting style is grounded in his grappling expertise. He is known for his ability to take the fight to the ground and dominate his opponents with submissions. Currie's wrestling is complemented by his striking, which has evolved over his career, making him a more versatile fighter. His switch stance allows him to adapt to different situations in the cage, keeping his opponents off balance.

Currie's submission game is his strongest asset, with a particular proficiency in rear-naked chokes. He also has a solid ground-and-pound attack, which he uses to soften up opponents before securing a submission. Currie's ability to control the pace of the fight and dictate where it takes place makes him a formidable opponent in the middleweight division.

 

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

While Will Currie has shown significant growth in his striking, there is still room for improvement. He has been known to struggle against more polished strikers, and if he cannot get the fight to the ground, he may find himself at a disadvantage. Currie will need to focus on closing the distance effectively and avoiding prolonged exchanges on the feet.

Another area where Currie can improve is his ability to maintain composure under pressure. In his losses, he has sometimes been overwhelmed by aggressive opponents who could disrupt his rhythm. Currie will need to stay composed and stick to his game plan, especially against a dangerous finisher like Djorden Santos.

 

Djorden Santos: The Brazilian Finisher

Background and Career Highlights

Djorden Santos, also known as "Shakur," is a 27-year-old middleweight fighter from Brazil. With a record of 9-1-0, Santos has made a name for himself as a finisher, with three wins by knockout and four by submission. Standing 6'0" tall and fighting out of Brazil, Santos has competed in various organizations, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to end fights decisively.

Santos’ most recent win came in November 2022, when he defeated Filipe Moitinho by unanimous decision at Thunder Fight 39. This victory was a testament to his endurance and ability to perform over five rounds, showcasing his development as a well-rounded fighter.

 

Fighting Style and Strengths

Djorden Santos is a well-rounded fighter with a powerful striking game and a dangerous submission arsenal. Fighting out of the orthodox stance, Santos uses his striking to set up powerful knockouts, often finishing opponents with his hands. His ability to mix strikes and submissions makes him a threat both on the feet and on the ground.

Santos is particularly dangerous in the later rounds, where his conditioning allows him to maintain a high pace and capitalize on his opponents' fatigue. His striking is complemented by his submission skills, with a preference for chokes. Santos is known for his ability to adapt to his opponents' weaknesses and exploit any openings that present themselves.

 

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

Despite his impressive record, Djorden Santos has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in his defensive grappling. In his only loss, Santos struggled against a wrestler who was able to control him on the ground. Santos will need to improve his takedown defense and be prepared to defend against Currie’s submission attempts.

Another area of concern is Santos' ability to start fast. He has been known to take time to find his rhythm, which could be problematic against an aggressive grappler like Currie. Santos will need to be ready to defend against an early onslaught and establish his striking early in the fight.

 

The Matchup: Grappler vs. Finisher

This middleweight matchup features a classic clash of styles. Will Currie will likely look to take the fight to the ground, where he can utilize his grappling skills to control Santos and work for a submission. Currie's ability to close the distance and avoid Santos' power will be key to his success.

Djorden Santos, on the other hand, will aim to keep the fight standing, where he can use his striking to finish the fight. Santos' ability to defend against Currie’s takedowns and land significant strikes will be crucial in determining the outcome of this fight. The bout is likely to be a competitive battle of wills, with each fighter trying to impose their game plan.

 

Implications for the Middleweight Division

A win for either fighter could have significant implications for their careers. For Will Currie, a victory would solidify his status as one of the top middleweight prospects and potentially earn him a UFC contract. A win over a dangerous opponent like Santos would be a major statement and could lead to higher-profile opportunities.

For Djorden Santos, a victory would prove that he can compete with top-level grapplers and secure his place among the top middleweight prospects. A win would also position Santos for a potential UFC contract, opening the door for him to compete on the biggest stage in MMA.

 

The Psychological Battle: Patience vs. Aggression

The mental aspect of this fight will play a significant role in the outcome. Will Currie will need to remain patient and avoid getting drawn into a striking battle with Santos. If he can stick to his game plan and avoid unnecessary risks, Currie will increase his chances of success.

Santos, on the other hand, will need to balance aggression with caution. He will want to push the pace and look for opportunities to finish the fight, but he must be careful not to leave himself vulnerable to Currie’s takedowns and submissions. The fighter who can best manage the mental aspect of the fight is likely to come out on top.

 

Prediction