Contender Series 2026 Episode 8 Breakdown and Predictions

Shawn Bitter- I wish Abushaar got someone else because I like him and think he’d be a nice addition to the UFC. Unfortunately, he’s fighting one of the best prospects in the world.

Abushaar’s path to victory is keeping Staines on the outside. He uses his reach well, and while his chin is high, his hands are up, and he’s tough to clip clean. He’s been stopped before, but it came from a shot behind the ear. Staines also isn’t a one-punch knockout threat, as his finishes usually come from an accumulation of strikes.

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Staines will most definitely wrestle, but he has to respect Abushaar’s dangerous guillotine. I think Staines is too savvy to get caught unless he’s hurt first. Abushaar’s TDD has improved, but getting taken down by Joe Boerschig is super concerning in this matchup.

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Abushaar’s main path is finding the KO. Staines has multiple paths: wrestle and grapple, out-volume him to a decision, or break him with pace for a TKO. I think the grappling gets it done.

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Pick: Staines by Round 2 Submission

Cedric Dumas- This is one of the more interesting prospect matchups on the card, although it is also one where the experience gap matters.

Staines went 16-1 as an amateur on the IMMAF circuit before making the jump to professional MMA. Since then, he has remained perfect through Oktagon and Cage Warriors, including back-to-back wins over undefeated prospects.

He is a complete lightweight. The striking is good, the wrestling is a major weapon, and his grappling is already at a level that should translate to the UFC. Quite frankly, this feels like a step down in opposition.

That does not mean Abushaar is a tomato can. He is a massive lightweight with legitimate knockout power, and his physical tools would have made him a problem for several of the lightweights DWCS has featured this year. He simply drew the wrong opponent. His lone loss came by quick first-round knockout, while his overall schedule has not been nearly as demanding as Staines’ recent run.

Expect Staines to close distance, get the takedowns he wants, and spend the fight forcing Abushaar to defend rather than allowing him to establish his striking. Once he gets the fight to the mat, I expect him to work his way toward the neck.

Pick: Staines by Round 1 Submission

Nicholas Holt- Finally, George Staines is getting his shot with the UFC. Frankly, this one is long overdue. You could’ve signed him straight to the roster- his last two wins hold more significance than his upcoming matchup on DWCS.

If you haven’t heard the name, George Staines is the real deal- he has some of the best striking defense on the regional scene and is relentless on the ground. He scrambles well, is difficult to control, and is excellent at flipping dangerous spots into favorable ones. He applies heavy pressure on the mat, using his cardio well to keep a wrestling-based game plan working deep into fights. On the feet, he can become very selective at times. However, once he finds his flow, Staines is a marvel to watch working in and out of the pocket.

George Staines isn’t the most “Contender Series-style fighter,” as he isn’t one to chase finishes, but you can expect the Hull native to turn up a notch come Tuesday night. He poses a threat at every level of the game, and I don’t see much of an escape for his opponent, Loai Abushaar.

Abushaar is a solid prospect who can finish fights, but this is definitely a mismatch in skills. He will have to catch Staines with a lucky shot in order to have any success, but unfortunately for him, George isn’t one to take many risks.

Sorry, Loai, but this one is all George Staines.

Pick: Staines by Round 1 Submission

Xavi Ryder– To close out week eight, we have the highest-rated prospect from the Prospect Vault list that will appear for the rest of the season. Abushaar is a massive lightweight standing at 6’4”. He is a creative, powerful striker with a lot of finishing potential, but I think he is outmatched in this one. On the feet, Staines is a technical, long-range striker who does a good job of staying out of danger. He isn’t the most dangerous striker in terms of power, but his pressure and volume make him tough to deal with. On the ground is where he does his best work. Staines has great takedowns, slick back takes, and is always hunting for a submission. His record isn’t filled with finishes, but even when he can’t finish his opponent, Staines gives his opponents little chance to win. Again, I think Abushaar is a dangerous fighter, but he is outmatched in this one.

Pick: Staines by Round 2 Submission

Drew Beaupre– Staines has a good frame for the lightweight division, but he’s still going to be giving up three inches of height when he and Abushaar close out Week 8 of DWCS.

Although Abushaar has finished all of his professional opponents and didn’t even go past the first round up until his most recent fight in April, none of the names on his record stand out as particularly impressive wins. On the other side, Staines is coming off back-to-back wins over undefeated opponents in Cage Warriors and also had a stellar amateur run before turning pro in 2023.

Abushaar absolutely has the power necessary to upset Staines if he can stay at range or the latter fighter gets careless, but I expect that “Saint” should have few issues bringing things to the mat so he can tire Abushaar out before finding a finish.

Pick: Staines by Round 3 Submission

Cangrejo Ruiz- Staines could be considered a blue-chip talent imo and has one of the highest floors this season. He excels at grappling, but his striking has improved greatly, and he is one of the smartest fighters in the regionals. Abushaar Isn’t nearly as polished, but his reach makes him dangerous everywhere. I think Staines has the IQ to deal with Abushaar’s weapons and get the fight to the ground. Prediction is Staines by R2 TKO

Benjamin Keith- I think Loai Abushaar is a pretty good fighter. Because of who he is matched up against, people are vastly overlooking the man out of Arizona. He can use his fantastic length to finish anyone he matches up against. 

George Staines by whatever George Staines wants.

Pick: George Staines by Round 1 Submission