DWCS Season 9: Week 7 Preview & Predictions
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Week 7 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 scrap between Đani Barbir and Mantas Kondratavičius. Check out the full lineup and our predictions for an explosive Week 7 of DWCS:
How to Watch
- 📅 Date: Tuesday, September 23
- 🕑 Start Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET
- 📍 Location: UFC Apex — Las Vegas, Nevada
- 📺 How to Watch: ESPN+
Full Match Card for Week 7
- Featured Middleweight Bout: Đani Barbir (7-0) vs. Mantas Kondratavičius (7-1)
- Featherweight Bout: Brahyan Zurcher (9-0) vs. Murtazali Magomedov (9-0)
- Flyweight Bout: Sofia Montenegro (6-1) vs. Jeisla Chaves (5-0)
- Featherweight Bout: Javier Reyes (21-5) vs. Justice Torres (13-3)
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Rafael Tobias (13-1) vs. Jair de Oliveira (6-0)
Card Predictions for Contender Series Week 7:
Đani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavičius
Đani Barbir is an undefeated Croatian entering Contender Series after two successful title defenses in Fight Nation Championship.
He has finished every opponent, with five stoppages coming in the first round. His biggest hurdle has been inactivity, with only three fights since 2019, but the middleweight now has the chance to showcase his finishing instincts.
Mantas Kondratavičius from Lithuania comes in with a strong kickboxing background. He has finished all of his victories, with his lone loss coming by submission. His last four wins ended in the first round, including a highlight-reel knockout at Cage Warriors 184 in March.
Though he’s never reached a third round in MMA, he has gone the distance in kickboxing. With both fighters known for fast finishes, this European clash promises plenty of excitement, even if it plays out late for fans back home.
Predictions:
- Jake: Mantas Kondratavičius
- Rags: Đani Barbir
Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov
Two undefeated featherweights collide in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both sit at 9-0, making this a true test of prospects on the rise.
Brahyan Zurcher, 29, has competed in PFL and LUX, finishing seven of his nine victories. Though he has missed weight once before, his biggest battle will be with the scale before stepping into the cage. When he makes it, Zurcher delivers, stopping each of his last five opponents. He has not fought since June 2024, dedicating his time to prepare for this opportunity.
Across from him is 26-year-old Murtazali Magomedov of Kyrgyzstan. A finisher in every fight of his career, he brings a dangerous and versatile skill set. Fresh off his second successful title defense with the Octagon promotion, he carries strong momentum into Contender Series.
Magomedov can suffocate opponents with grappling and pressure, but also packs knockout power. With an undefeated amateur career behind him, the question remains: can anyone stop him?
Predictions:
- Jake: Murtazali Magomedov
- Rags: Murtazali Magomedov
Sofia Montenegro vs. Jeisla Chaves
Jeisla Chaves was originally set to face Regina Taria before a late change created this matchup. At 28, she is undefeated at 5-0, though her opponents have held a combined record of 0-8.
With a Muay Thai background, she has shown knockout power and comes through the Brazilian regional scene. This will be her first time fighting in the United States, and it presents a tough test.
Across from her is 26-year-old Sofia Montenegro, who enters on a three-fight win streak. Like Chaves, she comes from a Muay Thai base, but she has also shown the ability to finish with submissions. Even with that grappling success, this fight could play out as a pure striking battle with small gloves.
Montenegro was once a hot prospect before suffering a 10-second loss in 2022. Since then, she has sharpened her fight IQ and put together several strong wins.
Predictions:
- Jake: Jeisla Chaves
- Rags: Sofia Montenegro
Javier Reyes vs. Justice Torres
Javier Reyes now finds himself preparing for a third different opponent. He was originally booked against Robbie Ring before that fight was canceled. Then Icaro Brito withdrew due to visa issues, opening the door for Justice Torres to step in on short notice.
Reyes has captured multiple regional championships in his 26-fight professional career. Born in Colombia and now training in Las Vegas, the 31-year-old is experienced and well-rounded with nine knockouts and eight submissions. He has stayed very active, and this will be his fourth and most important fight of the year.
Torres, a product of Fury FC and former champion, enters looking to make the most of this opportunity. Although he was unable to defend his belt, he bounced back with two straight knockout wins. His most recent fight came in August, which makes this a quick turnaround on short notice.
With six finishes and six decision victories, Torres has shown he can compete anywhere and is tough to put away. He will need to avoid Reyes’ submission game and find a way to impose his own style.
Predictions:
- Jake: Justice Torres
- Rags: Justice Torres
Rafael Tobias vs. Jair de Oliveira
Rafael Tobias, nicknamed “Bipolar,” is only 22 years old and enters on a five-fight win streak. He has finished 10 of his victories, split evenly between knockouts and submissions, with eight of those coming in the first round.
While his strength of schedule on the Brazilian regional scene has raised some questions, he has trained with former UFC fighter Jennifer Maia and is prepared for the biggest test of his young career.
Jair de Oliveira, 29, remains undefeated with six career wins. At 5’9”, he gives up significant height to the 6’2” Tobias. After earning a decision win in his pro debut back in 2015, he did not return until 2022, but has since rattled off five straight first-round finishes.
He has not competed since May 2024 and has not fought at light heavyweight since August 2023. With multiple regional titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight, Oliveira now looks to prove he belongs in the UFC.
Predictions:
- Jake: Rafael Tobias
- Rags: Rafael Tobias
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