Contender Series 2026 Week 8 continues with a fight between Loai Abushaar and George Staines in the lightweight division. Check out our Contender Series odds series for our Abushaar-Staines prediction and pick.
Loai Abushaar (7-1) brings genuine finishing versatility into this fight, having rebounded from his lone career loss with four straight stoppages that include both knockouts and submissions. That two-way threat means Staines has to respect the danger everywhere, unlike facing a one-dimensional striker or grappler.
George Staines (10-0) enters unbeaten, extending his win streak with a standing rear-naked choke finish of previously undefeated Conor McCarthy at Cage Warriors 207 in June 2026. He followed up a unanimous decision over Marcelo Marques at Cage Warriors 202 in March, showcasing well-rounded finishing ability, as he comes into his fight this Tuesday against Loai Abushaar.
Contender Series Week 8 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
Contender Series Week 8 Odds: Loai Abushaar-George Staines Odds
Loai Abushaar: +280
George Staines: -350
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Loai Abushaar Will Win
Loai Abushaar brings genuine finishing versatility into this fight, having rebounded from his lone career loss with four straight stoppages that include both knockouts and submissions. That two-way threat means Staines has to respect the danger everywhere, unlike facing a one-dimensional striker or grappler.
Abushaar's most recent win, a D'Arce choke submission of Alejandro Quero, shows sharp ground technique to complement his four TKO finishes. That kind of complete skill set gives him multiple paths to victory even if Staines controls range early on the feet.
Having already tasted defeat by knockout, Abushaar also understands adversity in a way that an undefeated fighter like Staines simply hasn't experienced yet. That firsthand knowledge of getting hurt and recovering often produces a calmer, more dangerous veteran presence once things get competitive inside the cage.
Staines has built his unbeaten record largely against regional Cage Warriors competition, and while impressive, it hasn't tested him against a finisher with Abushaar's varied offensive tools. If Abushaar can weather any early pressure and find his rhythm, his combination of durability, submission craft, and knockout power gives him every reason to believe he gets his hand raised as he comes into this fight this Tuesday against George Staines.
Why George Staines Will Win
Article Continues BelowGeorge Staines enters this fight with a flawless 10-0 record, and his most recent performance, a standing rear-naked choke finish of previously unbeaten Conor McCarthy, shows he can find finishes even against live, dangerous competition. That kind of technical grappling combined with a clean finishing rate suggests a genuinely complete skill set rather than a one-dimensional prospect.
His size is also a notable factor, standing 6-foot-1 at lightweight, giving him a significant reach and frame advantage over most opponents at this weight. That physical edge lets him control range and dictate where the fight takes place, a luxury Abushaar hasn't consistently had against durable competition.
Staines remaining completely unbeaten across ten professional fights speaks to a level of composure and fight-IQ that shouldn't be undervalued heading into a high-pressure Contender Series opportunity. Abushaar, by contrast, already has a knockout loss on his record, which raises legitimate questions about his chin against a durable, well-rounded finisher like Staines.
Given his flawless record, physical size advantage, and demonstrated ability to finish fights via both strikes and submissions, Staines has every tool needed to extend his unbeaten streak. That combination gives him every reason to believe he walks away victorious as he comes into his fight this Tuesday against Loai Abushaar.
Final Loai Abushaar-George Staines Prediction & Pick
This lightweight bout pits an unbeaten prospect against a proven finisher, with Staines's flawless 10-0 record meeting Abushaar's more battle-tested 7-1 résumé. Staines's size and reach advantage at 6-foot-1 should let him dictate range early against Abushaar's varied attack.
Expect Staines to lean on his length and grappling instincts, much like the standing rear-naked choke that finished Conor McCarthy in his last outing. His technical composure as an undefeated fighter should help him avoid Abushaar's power in the pocket .
Abushaar's best path is closing distance quickly and forcing exchanges, using the same aggression that produced his D'Arce choke finish last time out. His experience recovering from adversity could prove valuable if this fight gets competitive late .
Given Staines's physical advantages and unblemished record, I'll take him to extend his streak, picking Staines by decision or late finish as he comes into his fight this Tuesday against Loai Abushaar.
Final Loai Abushaar-George Staines Prediction & Pick: George Staines (-350)