The third episode of the latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series goes down this Tuesday night at the newly revamped Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
The participants in the first two weeks have set a high standard for this week’s contenders to follow, so let’s take a look at what matchups await us this week.
Bella Mir vs. Alex Apodaca (Women’s Bantamweight)
Bella Mir (4-0), daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank, arrives on this week’s Contender Series with huge ambitions. “Lady” has stated her aim is to not just earn a UFC contract, but win everything the company has to offer, including a UFC title, a Zuffa Boxing belt and a UFC BJJ Championship.
Her opponent, Colorado’s Alex Apodaca (3-1), will effectively be the B-side in this matchup, but she is riding a three-fight winning streak over the past year and cannot be taken too lightly.
Mario Piazzon vs. Guilherme Uriel (Heavyweight)
Brazil’s Mario Piazzon (10-1) returns for a second appearance on the show. The Brazilian first fought on DWCS in 2023 but failed to earn a contract after his opponent, Alexander Soldatkin, was disqualified for an illegal strike.
He faces fellow countryman Guilherme Uriel (7-2) this time around, who has finished all seven of his professional victories inside the opening round.
Gary Balleto vs. Sean Clancy Jr. (Welterweight)
Cage Warriors interim welterweight titleholder Sean Clancy Jr. (8-0) finally gets his shot at the big leagues when he takes on former CES champion Gary Balleto (11-3) this week.
All eight of Clancy Jr.’s professional wins have come by way of stoppage, and “The One” has long been touted as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
Balleto should provide a stiff test for the young Scotsman. “Batman” has rattled off three consecutive KO wins under the BKFC banner over the past year.
Ronald Humphrey vs. Alexis Miranda (Welterweight)
Like Clancy Jr., Atlanta’s Ronald Humphrey (4-0) arrives on this week’s show carrying a massive reputation. “The Career Ender” has won every single fight of his amateur and professional careers via first-round KO/TKO.
Tijuana’s Alexis Miranda (9-2) has competed mostly on the Mexican regional scene, most recently headlining for promotions such as UWC and GFM.
Nick Galanti vs. Carlos Petruzzella (Middleweight)
New Jersey’s Nick Galanti (7-1) follows up his CFFC middleweight title win in March of this year by getting his shot on this week’s show, but he faces a massive challenge in Carlos Petruzzella (15-1), who has stopped every opponent he has beaten so far.
The Argentinian owns eight KO/TKO wins and seven submission victories, ranging from kimuras and armbars to chokes and neck cranks.
