DWCS Season 9: Week 6 Preview & Predictions
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Week 6 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 bantamweight clash between Hecher Sosa and Mackson Lee. Check out the full lineup and our predictions for an explosive Week 6 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 6
- Featured Bantamweight Bout: Hecher Sosa (13-1) vs. Mackson Lee (9-0)
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Iwo Baraniewski (5-0) vs. Mahamed Aly (4-0)
- Lightweight Bout: Thomas Gantt (10-0) vs. Adam Livingston (6-0)
- Middleweight Bout: In Soo Hwang (8-1) vs. Paddy McCorry (6-1)
- Bantamweight Bout: Cody Chovancek (8-0) vs. Raphael Uchegbu (10-1)
Card Predictions for Contender Series Week 6:
Hecher Sosa vs. Mackson Lee
The headliner features two dangerous and scrappy bantamweight strikers, one from Spain and the other from Brazil. Both men have faced strong competition, and both come in riding waves of momentum
Sosa, representing Ilia Topuria’s WOW FC, enters with back-to-back knockouts in the promotion. At 30 years old, he has championship experience across multiple regional promotions and currently rides a 10-fight winning streak. Even more impressive, he’s on a 5-fight finish streak, with four straight knockouts—three of them coming in the first round. Given his form, he’ll likely be the betting favorite as Spain continues to produce top-tier prospects.
Lee, just 26, brings a significant size advantage at 6’1” with a long reach. Undefeated as a pro, he’s finished every opponent he’s faced with an even split between knockouts and submissions. After a layoff during COVID, he returned to competition in 2023 and looks sharper than ever, picking up two consecutive finishes under the LFA banner. This matchup is a classic striker’s delight, but both men are well-rounded enough to end the fight anywhere.
Predictions:
- Jake: Mackson Lee
- Rags: Hecher Sosa
Iwo Baraniewski vs. Mahamed Aly
Nothing adds intrigue to a Contender Series card like two undefeated finishers colliding. Both Baraniewski and Aly boast impressive backgrounds before their professional MMA careers. Their experience makes this a deceptively high-level clash despite their short pro résumés.
Baraniewski, 26, is a Polish powerhouse with a 5-0 pro record. Don’t let the numbers fool you—he went 17-3 as an amateur and is currently on a combined 15-fight win streak. Every pro victory has come via first-round finish, showcasing both his knockout power and judo background.
Aly, 31, is taller and comes from an elite grappling pedigree, even holding a win over Dillon Danis. After debuting in MMA in early 2024 with a stunning head-kick knockout in under a minute. Then he rattled off three finishes before notching a decision win over former UFC welterweight Jared Gooden. This was Aly’s first decision win, and his first fight at light heavyweight. This Week 6 bout will also be contested at 205 lbs, will this division suit him best moving forward?
Predictions:
- Jake: Iwo Baraniewski
- Rags: Iwo Baraniewski
Thomas Gantt vs. Adam Livingston
Another clash of undefeated fighters, this one matches the classic striker vs. grappler. Both men are relatively new to MMA but have been fighting frequently and gaining experience. These fighters will bring a high level of activity and finishing ability to the cage.
Gantt, 32, has finished all but one opponent, showing off both knockout power and a slick submission game. He has shown an affinity for chokes that pair well with a collegiate wrestling background, at NC State. Gannthas stayed busy on the regional scene, with fights typically only a few weeks apart from each other. However, this will be his first fight at lightweight—he’s typically competed at welterweight and even middleweight.
Livingston, just 24, represents the new wave of young lightweight prospects. Standing 6’2”, he has a big frame for the division and fights true to his nickname, “Bomb,” throwing heavy shots with bad intentions. Livingston is willing to keep his hands low and trade with his opposition. Will his power and youth be enough to overcome Gantt’s experience and grappling? That’s the key question.
Predictions:
- Jake: Adam Livingston
- Rags: Adam Livingston
In Soo Hwang vs. Paddy McCorry
Originally scheduled to face Will Currie, In Soo Hwang now takes on TUF 32 alum Paddy McCorry on short-notice. Both fighters have experienced the big stage before, but nothing compares to competing in front of Dana White at the UFC Apex.
Hwang, 31, recently defended a regional title and comes into DWCS with six knockout wins—five of them in the first round. Known for his punching power, this will be his first fight in the U.S., and he’ll look to make a statement in his promotional audition.
McCorry, stepping in on short notice, will have the height advantage at 6’3” compared to Hwang’s 5’11”. Fans may remember him from TUF, where he fought current UFC competitor Robert Valentin. Since then, he’s picked up two wins, although his last was at a 195 lb catchweight. With a balanced record featuring three knockouts, two submissions, and a decision victory, McCorry is comfortable wherever the fight goes.
Predictions:
- Jake: In Soo Hwang
- Rags: Paddy McCorry
Cody Chovancek vs. Raphael Uchegbu
Week 6 kicks off with bantamweight battle to start the card. The 135lb weight class has been heavily featured DWCS Season 9. With both fighters nearing 30, this is a pivotal opportunity to break through to the UFC.
Chovancek, 27, trains with Niagara Top Team in Canada. He successfully defended his regional title in his last fight but missed weight in the process. With an undefeated record, he’s proven well-rounded with three knockouts, two submissions, and the ability to go the distance when needed.
Uchegbu, who just turned 30, is a dangerous submission artist with championship experience at both bantamweight and featherweight. Currently on a four-fight finish streak, all have come via finish. He’s fought in major promotions like Bellator and PFL, giving him a deeper résumé than most Contender Series hopefuls.
Predictions:
- Jake: Raphael Uchegbu
- Rags: Cody Chovancek
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