DWCS Season 9: Week 3 Preview & Predictions
Read Time:4 Minute, 7 Second
Week 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 is here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ten hungry prospects will step into the cage, all fighting for that life-changing UFC contract.
Headlining the night is a can’t-miss middleweight war between knockout artist Trent Miller and surging contender Ryan Gandra. Check out the full lineup and our predictions for an explosive Week 3 of DWCS.
How to Watch:
- Where: UFC Apex — Las Vegas, Nevada
- Start Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET
- How: ESPN+
Full Match Card for Week 3
- Featured Middleweight Bout: Trent Miller (8-2) vs. Ryan Gandra (7-1)
- Featherweight Bout: Márcio Barbosa (16-2) vs. Damon Wilson (9-2)
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Alik Lorenz (6-1) vs. Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (6-0)
- Lightweight Bout: Cristian Pérez (13-1) vs. Manoel Sousa (12-1)
- Heavyweight Bout: Darion Abbey (7-4) vs. Donte Johnson (5-0)
Card Predictions for Contender Series Week 3:
Trent Miller vs. Ryan Gandra
Trent Miller steps in on short notice after Vitor Costa withdrew due to visa issues. While Miller was already in camp for another fight, accepting this late opportunity could be career-changing. Training out of Xtreme Couture, he’s known for his knockout power; with six wins, five of which came in round one. Both of his career losses came via submission, which could be a factor here.
Ryan Gandra enters as the early favorite. Riding a six-fight win streak, Gandra has showcased versatility, finishing opponents via KO and submission, while also proving he can go the distance. The main concern? Inactivity. He hasn’t fought since November of 2024, which could create a slow start.
Prediction: Trent Miller via 2nd-Round TKO/KO
Márcio Barbosa vs. Damon Wilson
This featherweight clash pits experience against momentum. Márcio Barbosa, only 27, has racked up 13 first-round knockouts. He is currently riding a three-fight win streak, all were finishes. He hasn’t fought since November 2024, but his sheer stopping power makes him a dangerous favorite.
Damon Wilson, 32, is on a three-fight winning streak of his own. A veteran of Cage Warriors, Wilson brings U.S. experience and legitimate power. He has six career KOs, including back-to-back stoppages. If he can withstand Barbosa’s early onslaught, Wilson could turn this into a grueling fight.
Prediction: Márcio Barbosa via 1st-Round TKO/KO
Alik Lorenz vs. Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev
Alik Lorenz is on a five-fight win streak, all coming by way of finish. While his last outing in November showcased his evolving submission skills, this was his first win by submission. He’s primarily a finisher on the feet or by ground and pound. His April fight cancellation leaves questions about activity, but he is only 28 years old so health hopefully isn’t an issue.
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev enters undefeated at 24 years old. A former Ares FC champion, he’s relentless on the ground and boasts five finishes without needing the judges. His submission game is a real threat, especially with different chokes. Expect him to pressure Lorenz early with takedowns to get this fight on the ground quickly.
Predictions: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev via 1st-Round Submission
Cristian Pérez vs. Manoel Sousa
What looks like the most competitive fight on the card, Cristian Pérez faces Manoel Sousa in a clash of well-rounded lightweights. Pérez, just 26, trains out of The Goat Shed and has been on a tear with five straight wins. He has competed in Combate Global on the regional scene, finishing almost everyone. He is a lethal submission artist, and loves the rear naked choke. While he last competed in MMA in December 2023, he won his last 2 MMA fights via TKO/KO. He did keep busy in Karate competition in July 2024. Will ring rust play a factor?
Sousa rebounded from his lone career loss with a strong win in his last outing. He his opponent strenght of schedule is impressive though. And the one loss came against high level competition. Sousa is known for knockout power, 10 of his wins have come via finish. He thrives in striking battles but has shown resilience in longer fights and has gone the distance.
Predictions: Manoel Sousa via Unanimous Decision
Darion Abbey vs. Donte Johnson
Heavyweight fights often produce quick finishes, and this one has all the makings of a highlight-reel ending. Darion Abbey, with experience in kickboxing and bare-knuckle MMA, enters on a three-fight win streak. His diverse combat background makes him unpredictable.
Donte Johnson, just 26, is the early favorite. Undefeated with every win by first-round KO, Johnson is a natural finisher. But he is moving up from light heavyweight in this fight. While this is a step up in weight and in competition, his raw power and finishing instinct could make him a breakout star.
Predictions: Donte Johnson via 3rd-Round TKO/KO
Happy
33 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
67 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
About Post Author
