Another magnificent season of Dana White’s Contender Series is finally upon us with DWCS 77 tonight. In the ninth iteration of the hit television show, middleweights Ilian Bouafia and Neemias Santana go to war in an exciting match between hot prospects in the DWCS 77 main event. Before that, welterweights Ty Miller and Jimmy Drago endeavor to steal the spotlight in their attempts at securing their spot in the UFC.
DWCS 77 Main Event
Undefeated since making his debut four years ago, Bouafia has developed a stellar reputation as a finisher, with all but one of his six wins coming inside the distance. Should his stopping power follow him into his upcoming bout, then there is no doubt that “The Gorilla” will no doubt earn his place in the promotion with a win in the DWCS 77 main event.
With seven victories coming by way of both knockout and submission, Santana is easily one of the best prospects to come out of Brazil in recent memory. Currently in the midst of a three-fight finish streak, the 27-year old looks on top of his game as he prepares to step into the Octagon for the first time after DWCS 77.
DWCS 77 Co-Main Event
Logging a perfect run as a professional so far, Miller puts his coveted zero on the line as he steps onto the grandest proving grounds in the sport in tonight’s DWCS 77 co-main event. Owning an eight-bout win streak dating back to his amateur days, the Albuquerque competitor is gearing up for a breakout performance that will put his name on fans’ tongues.
Having competed all over the country in respectable organizations such as Ring of Combat and CFFC, Drago brings a wealth of professional experience to his Contender Series debut. Looking to punch his ticket to the big time, the New Yorker is aiming to put on his best performance yet.
More Bouts On the Card
Rounding out the card, Baysangur Susurkaev takes on Murtaza Talha. Then, three-time defending BFL champion Radley da Silva crosses paths with undefeated Australian fighter George Mangos. Finally, Christopher Ewert and Yuri Panferov kick off the season in the opening scrap of the night.
DWCS 77 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 Contender Series 2025: Week 1 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Vegas 109:
- Hank Strandberg: 133-75
- Drew Zuhosky: 106-102
- Frazer Krohn: 99-74
- Jeremy Brand: 95-75
- Andrew Benjamin: 28-89
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Christopher Ewert -170
Vs.
Yuri Panferov +140
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Ewart by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Ewert by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Ewert by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Ewert by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Ewert: 4
Staff picking Panferov: 0
George Mangos -130
Vs.
Radley Da Silva +100
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Da Silva by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Mangos by Second Round Submission
Drew Zuhosky: Da Silva by First Round Submission
Frazer Kron: Da Silva by First Round Submission
Staff picking Mangos: 1
Staff picking Da Silva: 3
Baysangur Susurkaev -275
Vs.
Murtaza Talha Ali +215
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Susurkaev by First Round TKO
Hank Strandberg: Susurkaev by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Susurkaev by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Talha Ali by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Susurkaev: 3
Staff picking Talha Ali: 1
Ty Miller -185
Vs.
Jimmy Drago +155
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Drago by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Drago by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Miller by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Miller by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Miller: 2
Staff picking Drago: 2
Ilian Bouafia -210
Vs.
Neemias Santana +170
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Bouafia by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Bouafia by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Bouafia by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Santana by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Bouafia: 3
Staff picking Santana: 1
