After a relaxing week off from competition, top-level mixed martial arts returns to the UFC Apex for DWCS 83, as fantastic European prospects Mantas Kondratavičius and Đani Barbir square off in the middleweight main event. In the second to last fight of the night at DWCS 83, the undefeated Murtazali Magomedov puts his zero on the line against fellow unblemished athlete Brahyan Zurcher.
DWCS 83 Main Event
Unbeaten as an amateur and as a professional, Barbir has turned heads as of late with five consecutive finishes. Aiming to make it eight in a row in DWCS 83’s main event, the former two-time defending FNC champion is poised to claim his spot in the big leagues.
Also known for his strong ability to stop his opposition, Kondratavičius is keen on mounting a stellar display of skill to leave no doubt that he belongs in the UFC. With a combat sports career dating back to 2018, the Lithuanian has no shortage of experience competing in several notable promotions like Ares FC and Cage Warriors.
August 12, 2025, Las Vegas, Nv, Las Vegas, Nv, United States: Baisangur Susurkaev and Murtaza Talha meet in the octagon for a 3-round bout at UFC Apex for UFC – DWCS – Dana White Contender Series Ep. 1 on August 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV, United States. /PxImages Las Vegas, Nv United States – ZUMAp175 20250812_zsa_p175_065 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
DWCS 83 Co-Main Event
Accumulating a perfect run in the win column over the past three years, Magomedov soared into prominence last year when he scored the Octagon League featherweight strap. Making a single defense of his throne, “The Highlight” sets his belt aside to compete on DWCS 83 in order to chase an even greater prize: a UFC championship.
Standing as the latest in a long line of hardened Mexican prospects, Zurcher has already cut his teeth fighting in major organizations, notably winning five bouts in the PFL. Stepping into his first scrap of the year, he intends to prove he is the next big contender coming out of his country.
More Bouts On the Card
Rounding out the card at DWCS 83, Sofia Montenegro tangos with Jeisla Chaves. Then, 26-fight veteran Javier Reyes battles Justice Torres. Finally, Rafael Tobias is given the task of trying to hand his countryman Jair de Oliveira his first ever defeat.
DWCS 83 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains.
Find our Dana White’s Contender Series 83 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after Dana White’s Contender Series
Hank Strandberg: 158-88
Drew Zuhosky: 121-125
Frazer Krohn: 122-86
Jeremy Brand: 119-87
Andrew Benjamin: 32-90
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Rafael Tobias -390
Vs.
Jair Castro Vianna +325
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Tobias by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Tobias by Second Round Submission
Drew Zuhosky: Tobias by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Tobias: 3
Staff picking Castro Vianna: 0
Javier Reyes -175
Vs.
Justice Torres +150
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Reyes by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Torres by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Torres by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Reyes: 1
Staff picking Torres: 2
Sofia Montenegro -220
Vs.
Jeisla Chaves +185
WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Montenegro by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Montenegro by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Montenegro by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Montenegro: 3
Staff picking Chaves: 0
Brahyan Zurcher -145
Vs.
Murtazali Magomedov +125
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Zurcher by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Magomedov by Third Round Submission
Staff picking Zurcher: 1
Staff picking Magomedov: 2
Đani Barbir -125
Vs.
Mantas Kondratavičius +105
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Barbir by Third Round Submission
Drew Zuhosky: Barbir by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Barbir by First Round Knockout
Staff picking Barbir: 3
Staff picking Kondratavičius: 0