Dana White Contender Series Week 3 Odds, Predictions and Picks

• Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 kicks off from the UFC Apex on Tuesday, August 26
• A middleweight bout featuring Ryan Gandra and Trent Miller headlines the card
• See all the Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 odds and best bets below

Dana White’s Contender Series continues into Week 3 on Tuesday, Aug. 26, with a card loaded with heavy favorites and potential quick finishes. After Week 2 delivered four knockouts and five contracts, Dana’s looking for more of the same.

The main event’s got all the makings of a classic, as Brazilian striker Ryan Gandra squares off with American wrestler Trent Miller. It’s the old striker vs grappler dance we’ve seen a million times, but it never gets old.

Everything kicks off at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex. Let’s break down our DWCS predictions and best bets for Week 3.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 Odds

Alik Lorenz at +700 odds is the night’s biggest underdog, while his opponent Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev comes in as the card’s most lopsided favorite at -1200.

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All oddds as of August 26, 2025, at Caesars Sportsbook. Claim a Caesars promo code to wager on the DWCS.

Ryan Gandra vs Trent Miller Prediction

Ryan Gandra is the kind of guy who throws every punch like his life depends on it. The 7-1 Brazilian is pure violence, hunting for your chin with bad intentions behind every shot. His gym-mates compare him to a young Bruno Ferreira, a guy who brings chaos every time. His only loss? A submission, which hints at where he’s vulnerable.

Trent “The Terminator” Miller (8-2) could exploit that weakness. The Xtreme Couture product has good wrestling, and both his losses came via submission, showing he’s willing to go to the mat. The problem is, Miller often ditches his wrestling to stand and bang, which plays right into Gandra’s hands.

Miller was preparing for a different opponent until this week, which adds another problem. If he sticks to wrestling, he’s live as a big underdog. If he tries to prove himself by striking, Gandra should crack him. The short-notice switch and Miller’s tendency to fade make Gandra the safe side.

At -600, the moneyline offers no value, but Gandra by knockout at -180 is the better play for a fighter who rarely goes to decision.

• Pick: Ryan Gandra by KO/TKO (-180)

Donte Johnson vs Darion Abbey Pick

This heavyweight scrap should start fast and end even faster. Donte Johnson is 5-0, and every one of those wins came in the first round by knockout. Though he weighed in at just 209 pounds, his lighter frame gives him an edge in speed and movement.

Darion Abbey (7-4) is a towering 6’6″, but didn’t look great at weigh-ins. He’s also been knocked out by Tim Johnson, who literally drives trucks when he’s not fighting. That doesn’t bode well against someone with Donte’s power and speed.

Abbey has more experience and can wrestle if needed, but unless Johnson burns out early, he should land first and land hard. His patient approach and combo punching should find the target before his cardio becomes a problem.

The books have Johnson’s Round 1 finish prop listed with negative odds for a reason. Look for the Wisconsin native to close the show early.

• Pick: Donte Johnson wins in Round 1 (-125)

Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev vs Alik Lorenz Best Bet

This is basically a tune-up fight for Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev. The undefeated Ares FC light heavyweight champ trains in Turkey and has a wrestling game that’s been crushing everyone they put in front of him. French strikers couldn’t figure him out, and now he’s facing an American software engineer who fights on weekends.

Alik Lorenz trains at MMA Lab, which is legit, but he still looks awkward even when he’s winning fights. His only loss? Getting starched by Darion Abbey – the same Abbey who’s fighting earlier tonight. That’s not exactly confidence-inspiring when you’re about to face a way better athlete.

Yakhyaev will likely throw some strikes to set up his takedowns, then dominate from top position. Four of his six wins have ended in the first round.

The -1200 moneyline is unplayable, but Yakhyaev by submission at -110 is solid value for a guy who loves to choke people out. I don’t expect Lorenz to have answers for Yakhyaev’s grappling.

• Pick: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev by submission (-110)

Marcio Barbosa vs Damon Wilson Prediction

Marcio Barbosa looked like a man possessed at the weigh-ins, and the books took notice. His odds jumped from -280 to nearly -500 overnight, which you rarely see. The 16-2 Brazilian has 13 first-round knockouts and possesses serious firepower at featherweight. He’s bigger and fully focused on earning a UFC contract.

Damon Wilson has enjoyed success with clinch knees lately, putting away his last two opponents. But his striking defense is worrisome, and he takes way too much punishment. Against a puncher like Barbosa, those weaknesses could get him hurt.

Wilson has a wrestling background that could give him a respectable chance if he can control where this fight happens. The issue is that Barbosa is a BJJ black belt with good takedown defense. This bout is likely to stay standing, and that’s bad news for Wilson.

Barbosa in Round 1 at -150 is a bit pricey, but it’s our recommended best bet considering how the Brazilian typically finishes fights.

• Pick: Marcio Barbosa wins in Round 1 (-150)

Manoel Sousa vs Cristian Perez Preview & Pick

This lightweight scrap has the potential to steal the show Tuesday night. Manoel Sousa (12-1) has faced elite competition, including going the distance with Archie Colgan and beating current UFC fighter Mauricio Ruffy. But if he plays it too safe again, he may not get Dana’s attention.

Cristian “Puas” Perez (13-1) is coming off a long MMA layoff but stayed active with karate combat. He’s dangerous and unorthodox, with heel hooks, Imanari rolls, and some sneaky pop in his punches. The 26-year-old Mexican looked confident at weigh-ins with half of Mexico cheering him on.

Both guys are durable, so the over 1.5 rounds at -230 is a solid bet. But if you want a real flier, Perez by submission at +900 is worth a small shot. His grappling is strange enough that he might catch Sousa sleeping.

Picks

• Fight goes over 1.5 rounds (-230)
• Sprinkle: Cristian Perez by submission (+900)