DWCS 77 Picks Of The Week For Exciting Season Premiere!

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 DecisionHank Strandberg:  Ewert by Unanimous DecisionFrazer Krohn: Ewert by Unanimous DecisionDrew 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 DecisionHank 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 TKOHank Strandberg: Susurkaev by First Round Knockout         

Drew Zuhosky: Susurkaev by Unanimous DecisionFrazer 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 DecisionHank Strandberg: Drago by Unanimous DecisionDrew 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 DecisionHank Strandberg: Bouafia by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Bouafia by Unanimous Decision Frazer Krohn: Santana by Unanimous Decision  

Staff picking Bouafia: 3

Staff picking Santana: 1