Dana White Contender Series Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions (Aug 12)

• Dana White’s Contender Series Week 1 kicks off from the UFC Apex on Tuesday, August 12
• A middleweight clash featuring Ilian Bouafia and Neemias Santana headlines the card
• See all the Dana White’s Contender Series Week 1 odds, picks and predictions below

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Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 gets underway on Tuesday, Aug. 12. This week should bring some surprises and plenty of value for bettors looking to cash in on up-and-coming MMA prospects.

A middleweight showdown headlines the card, as French striker Ilian Bouafia battles Brazilian knockout artist Neemias Santana. The action gets underway from the UFC Apex on Tuesday night at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN+.

Here are the best Dana White’s Contender Series Week 1 odds, plus our predictions and best bets.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 1 Odds

Odds as of August 12, 2025, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Claim a DraftKings promo code to wager on the DWCS.

At +285 Murtaza Talha is the largest underdog on the Dana White Contender Series card, while his opponent Baysangur Susurkaev is the biggest favorite at -360.

Ilian Bouafia vs Neemias Santana Prediction

The 27-year-old Neemias Santana brings a wild, aggressive style into Tuesday’s main event. The Brazilian has finished all seven of his wins, with six coming by knockout. Training out of Team Lucas Mineiro alongside DWCS alum Tallison Teixeira, Santana throws with bad intentions and swarms opponents when he smells blood.

On the other side of the cage, 28-year-old Ilian Bouafia (6-0) is an absolute problem at 6’5″ with an 80-inch reach. The French striker trains at MMA Factory Paris alongside elite fighters like Nassourdine Imavov and Ciryl Gane. Bouafia’s patient southpaw style and technical precision have produced five knockouts in six pro wins.

The Gorilla 🦍 🇩🇿

Will Ilian Bouafia earn a contract at #DWCS Season 9 TONIGHT?! pic.twitter.com/vAQu1f9FOX

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 12, 2025

Santana’s forward pressure and reckless style play right into Bouafia’s counter-striking game. The Frenchman’s straight left down the middle is perfect for catching aggressive orthodox fighters. While Santana hits harder, Bouafia’s technique, reach, and composure give him the edge.

Look for Bouafia to time Santana coming in and land something clean. The knockout prop at even money is solid value.

• Pick: Ilian Bouafia by KO/TKO (+100)

Baysangur Susurkaev vs Murtaza Talha Pick

Baysangur Susurkaev steps in on short notice with serious momentum behind him. The 8-0 Chechen has been helping Khamzat Chimaev prepare for his UFC 319 title shot, and now gets his own shot at the big show. Training out of Kill Cliff FC in Florida, Susurkaev has finished seven of eight wins by knockout.

Murtaza Talha gets a second crack at it after losing to Rodolfo Bellato on DWCS two years ago. That fight exposed his weaknesses – he eats too many leg kicks, struggles at range, and fades when pushed. Since then, he’s fought just once in a bout flagged for legitimacy concerns.

Murtaza Talha (7-1 Pro) had to say no mas against Rodolfo Bellato (1-0-1 UFC) on DWCS last season. He gets an opportunity at redemption tomorrow night against an undefeated Chechen prospect pic.twitter.com/Q6tYrqYIvN

— Liam Picks Fights (@LiamPicksFights) August 12, 2025

Susurkaev fights with a similar low-hands style to Chimaev, throwing heavy hooks while maintaining excellent takedown defense. His conditioning has held up in longer fights, while Talha has shown cardio issues in the past. Even on short notice, Susurkaev’s power and pace should overwhelm Talha.

The moneyline is too pricey at -360, but Susurkaev inside the distance at -150 is good value for a guy who rarely sees the judges.

• Pick: Baysangur Susurkaev wins inside distance (-150)

George Mangos vs Radley da Silva Prediction

At just 21 years old, Australian prospect George Mangos (7-0) already looks like a future contender. The HEX MMA featherweight champion has finished all seven pro wins, including a flying triangle that had everyone talking. His striking has taken huge steps forward, adding two recent knockouts to his highlight reel.

Radley da Silva (7-1) brings a unique Capoeira-influenced style from his Brazilian-Canadian background. The 30-year-old mixes spinning attacks with wrestling, often using his flashy strikes to set up takedowns. He’s dangerous everywhere but tends to start grappling exchanges – a bad idea against Mangos.

If you have ever heard me use the expression, "victim of a violent crime"

George Mangos' opponent certainly fit the bill. Looks like a slasher film 🔪 pic.twitter.com/iCAYAhy2T9

— Liam Picks Fights (@LiamPicksFights) August 12, 2025

Mangos has the youth, speed, and skills in all areas. While da Silva might try to muscle the younger fighter with his physical maturity, Mangos’ grappling and improving striking should control this fight. The Aussie’s ability to escape bad spots and hunt submissions makes him a tough out for anyone.

Back the young gun to keep his perfect record intact and earn that UFC contract.

• Pick: George Mangos to win (-142)

Ty Miller vs Jimmy Drago Pick

Both welterweights enter off no-contests in their last fights, which adds some uncertainty here. Ty Miller (5-0) is the younger, longer fighter at 6’2″ with sharp boxing and straight punches. The 25-year-old controls the center and makes opponents work through his range.

Jimmy Drago (7-2) brings more experience and a pressure-heavy style. The 30-year-old Texan has finished five of seven wins and pushes a relentless pace. His leg kicks could be a factor against Miller, who has shown vulnerability to them in the past.

While Drago was winning his no-contest before the stoppage, Miller has shown a more patient approach that wins rounds. Three of his last four victories have gone to decision, and his reach should help him score from distance.

At plus money, Miller by decision is great value for a fighter who’s shown he can go the distance consistently.

• Pick: Ty Miller by decision (+150)

Christopher Ewert vs Yuri Panferov Prediction

Christopher Ewert (7-0) gets another shot at the UFC after losing his contract due to a weight miss. The Chilean striker brings a diverse kicking game that works the legs, body, and head. He controls distance well and breaks opponents down with steady damage.

Yuri Panferov (8-1) returns to DWCS after losing to Torrez Finney in 2023. Since then, he’s picked up two wins against aging competition that didn’t really prove much. The BJJ black belt and former Golden Gloves champion has skills everywhere, but doesn’t have the speed or power for this level.

Yuri Panferov (8-1 Pro) suffered his only professional defeat on his first trip to DWCS against Torrez Finney (11-0 Pro; 3-0 DWCS)

Panferov has yet to see the judges' scorecards in 9 professional bouts pic.twitter.com/ycHURHJZGt

— Liam Picks Fights (@LiamPicksFights) August 11, 2025

Ewert’s kicking game should give him the edge on the feet, though he tends to throw them without setup – potentially opening takedown opportunities for Panferov. However, Ewert faced similar threats in the past and maintained his undefeated record.

The line has notably dropped to the -150 range at some books, but Ewert is still going to be my play at the current number.

• Pick: Christopher Ewert to win (-230)