Dana White Contender Series Week 6 Odds, Picks & Predictions (Sep 16)

• Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 takes place from the UFC Apex on Tuesday, September 16
• Undefeated bantamweights Mackson Lee and Hecher Sosa throw down in the main event
• See all the Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 odds, picks and predictions below

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Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series rolls into Week 6 on Tuesday, Sept. 16, featuring star power and tight lines across the board. That usually means value if you dig deep enough into the props and underdogs.

The bantamweight main event pits unbeaten Mackson Lee against Spain’s Hecher Sosa, who’s riding a 10-fight winning streak. Things kick off from the UFC Apex on Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN+.

Here’s a breakdown of the Dana White Contender Series Week 6 odds and our predictions for Tuesday’s card.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 Odds

Odds as of September 16, 2025, at Caesars Sportsbook. Claim a Caesars promo code to wager on the DWCS.

The closest fight on paper is the main event, with Lee sitting at just -125 over Sosa. Mahamed Aly comes in as the biggest favorite at -280, with his opponent Iwo Baraniewski a notable +230 underdog

We’re staying away from betting heavy moneyline favorites due to the unpredictability factor of DWCS, and instead are targeting some props and a solid underdog fighter at plus money.

Mackson Lee vs Hecher Sosa Prediction

Mackson Lee (9-0) stands 6’1″ at bantamweight, which would make him the tallest in the UFC division if he gets the call. The Brazilian uses that 75-inch reach perfectly, picking opponents apart with calf kicks and straight punches while hunting for D’Arce chokes when they shoot.

Hecher Sosa (13-1) takes a very different approach. The Spanish striker pushes forward from the first second, firing off combinations before opponents get settled. He’s ended nine of his wins early, including six knockouts. His only loss was three years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since.

🇪🇸HECHER SOSA FIGHT DAY🇪🇸 #DWCS pic.twitter.com/L7wrDU0rsP

— Pelunaton (@pelunaton) September 16, 2025

Here’s the issue for Lee. He keeps his hands low and leaves his chin up. That’s risky against someone like Sosa, who charges in and brings heavy pressure. Sosa thrives on closing distance quickly and punishing opponents before they can use their reach.

Both fighters have finishing ability, and neither is exactly known for defense. I’m predicting someone to get clipped early, which makes the Under 1.5 at plus-money a great value play.

• Pick: Fight Under 1.5 Rounds (+125)

Mahamed Aly vs Iwo Baraniewski Pick

Mahamed Aly (4-0) is a world-class BJJ athlete, yet three of his MMA wins have come by knockout. He’s an IBJJF world champ who recently beat UFC vet Jared Gooden, showing he can hold his own against tougher opponents.

Iwo Baraniewski (5-0) is pure chaos. All five of his pro fights have ended in Round 1. The Polish fighter has a judo and no-gi background, but he often chooses to brawl and look for throws inside the clinch.

Since both fighters are elite grapplers, their skills on the ground might cancel each other out. That means striking could decide the fight, and Aly has the edge in height, reach, and power. Baraniewski has to get close to be effective, but moving forward into Aly’s punches could be risky.

Given Baraniewski’s pace and Aly’s finishing skills, this is another fight I’m not expecting to see the judges. Take the Under 1.5 at -160 odds.

• Pick: Fight Under 1.5 Rounds (-150)

Paddy McCorry vs In Soo Hwang Prediction

Paddy McCorry (6-1) stepped in on short notice after visa issues kept the original opponent out. The TUF 32 veteran stands 6’3″ and uses that frame to control distance on the feet before hunting for takedowns. Five of his six wins have come by stoppage, with his ground-and-pound being particularly nasty.

In Soo Hwang (8-1) fights like he’s in a grudge match every time. He walks forward with his hands down, looking to throw down in the pocket. He has six knockouts in his eight wins, but his 6-1 KO record comes with a warning—he gets hit often. He was even knocked out in five seconds once.

South Korean fans flooded our YouTube channel to watch the live weigh-in of In Soo Hwang, who fights for a UFC contract Tuesday at #DWCS. 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/ba67lpavCa

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 15, 2025

McCorry should win if he fights smart. Use the jab, stay long, shoot when Hwang gets wild. The issue is McCorry hasn’t exactly faced high-level opponents either. He struggled on TUF, and most of his wins came against subpar fighters.

Still, Hwang’s recklessness makes others look good. McCorry should be able to get the win, most likely with ground-and-pound.

• Pick: Paddy McCorry by KO/TKO (+150)

Tommy Gantt vs Adam Livingston Pick

Tommy Gantt (10-0) has racked up all 10 wins in just 17 months. That’s unheard of, even at a regional level. He’s a former NC State All-American wrestler and now coaches there too. His style is exactly what you’d expect—takedowns, top control, and damage. Nine of his wins have ended inside the distance.

Adam Livingston (6-0) brings wicked knockout power and decent takedown defense, though he’s yet to face a wrestler at Gantt’s level. He has four KO wins, but in his last fight, he faded badly in Round 2 before a doctor stoppage.

Gantt hasn’t beaten any notable names. His toughest opponent was 35, inactive for over a year, and only 5’4″. Still, his wrestling credentials are legit. Once Gantt gets ahold of Livingston, he should control the fight.

Livingston’s power gives him a shot early, but Gantt’s grappling and gas tank likely take over. Expect either a late stoppage or a clear decision.

• Pick: Tommy Gantt to win (-150)

Raphael Uchegbu vs Cody Chovancek Prediction

This bantamweight opener features two experienced fighters who’ve both gone the distance in five-round bouts. Raphael Uchegbu (10-1) has competed in Bellator and PFL. He’s fast, fights long, and often looks for submissions off his back when taken down.

Cody Chovancek (8-0) really impressed on tape. The Canadian has sharp counterstriking, strong takedown timing, and real power in his hands. He trains at Niagara Top Team, which has helped him round out his wrestling. He’s solid defensively up top, though he does leave his body and legs open.

Cody Chovancek looks to extend his undefeated record when he faces the dangerous Raphael Uchegbu to kick off #DWCS Week 6 🔥👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/tD9UMTLg7h

— Patrick Danna (@patdannamma) September 15, 2025

Uchegbu’s reach and quickness give him the edge, but if he spends too much time on his back against Chovancek, he could lose rounds. Chovancek tends to get better as the fight goes on, while Uchegbu looks for a big moment to finish.

Chovancek is my favorite plus-money underdog in the Dan White Contender odds this week. He’s got paths to victory both standing and grappling.

• Pick: Cody Chovancek (+120)