Bringing together some of the top names not signed to the company, the Contender Series looks to continue its search for the next hottest UFC prospects in DWCS 79. Headlining the card, Trent Miller takes on Ryan Gandra, while Márcio Barbosa draws Damon Wilson.
DWCS 79 Main Event
Fighting out of the accredited Xtreme Couture, Miller has won his last two fights back-to-back in 2025, with his appearance on the Contender Series being his third bout of the year. Surrounded by some of the top fighters in the world in his home gym, “The Terminator” will have had no shortage of world-class competitors to prepare him for the biggest moment of his career in the DWCS 79 main event.
Losing in his second professional contest back in 2022, Gandra has enjoyed an extensive stay in the win column, picking up six victories in a row. Holding four first round stoppages, it may not take “Problema” any time at all to cement his place in the promotion with another highlight reel performance during DWCS 79.
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 79 Co-Main Event
A veteran of nearly 20 fights, Barbosa has laid claim to being touted as one of the best featherweight athletes in all of Brazilian mixed martial arts. Getting the opportunity to showcase his abilities on the grandest stage in the sport, “Ticotô” can make it four triumphs in his last five should he pull off the win this Tuesday at DWCS 79.
A common sight for Cage Warriors’ U.S. audiences, Wilson had embarked on a long run in the England-based organization, logging ten trips to the cage under their banner. Seemingly ready to test himself in a new more challenging environment, “The Nomad” is now attempting to make his case to being counted among the top mixed martial artists at 145-lb.
More Bouts On the Card
Rounding out the card, streaking light heavyweight prospect Alik Lorenz comes to blows with the undefeated Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev. Also, the incredibly gritty Darion Abbey takes aim at the unblemished Donte Johnson.
DWCS 79 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 DWCS 79 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Fight Night 257
Hank Strandberg: 144-81
Drew Zuhosky: 114-111
Jeremy Brand: 108-79
Frazer Krohn: 108-80
Andrew Benjamin: 32-90
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Donte Johnson -245
Vs.
Darion Abbey +195
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Johnson by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Abbey by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Johnson: 1
Staff picking Abbey: 2
Manoel Sousa -280
Vs.
Cristian Perez +220
LIGHTWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Sousa by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Sousa by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Sousa by round 2 TKO
Staff picking Sousa: 3
Staff picking Perez: 0
Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev -1000
Vs.
Alik Lorenz +700
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Yakhyaev by First Round Submission Drew Zuhosky: Lorenz by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Yakhyaev by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Yakhyaev: 2
Staff picking Lorenz: 1
Márcio Barbosa -351
Vs.
Damon Wilson +276
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Barbosa by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Wilson by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Barbosa by first round knockout
Staff picking Barbosa: 2
Staff picking Wilson: 1
Ryan Gandra -425
Vs.
Trent Miller +325
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Gandra by Second Round Submission
Drew Zuhosky: Miller by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Miller by split decision
Staff picking Gandra: 1
Staff picking Miller: 2