Dana White’s Contender Series: Season 9, Week 3
Watch DailyMotion By Parts Show
Watch OK Full Show
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Preview
Week 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 delivered another action-packed showcase of rising MMA talent, as five hopefuls entered the UFC APEX looking to secure life-changing contracts. The main event spotlighted middleweights Trent Miller and Ryan Gandra in a clash of power versus technique, while the co-main event had Damon Wilson and Marcio Barbosa battling to prove their worth among featherweight prospects. Light heavyweight Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev aimed to make a statement against Alik Lorenz, while lightweight standout Manoel Sousa faced Cristian Perez in a striker’s duel. The heavyweight opener saw Darion Abbey collide with Donte Johnson in what promised to be an explosive showdown. With Dana White watching closely, every fighter knew a contract was on the line and only the most dominant performances would impress.
Match Card
- Middleweight (Main Event): Trent Miller vs. Ryan Gandra
- Featherweight (Co-Main): Damon Wilson vs. Marcio Barbosa
- Light Heavyweight: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Alik Lorenz
- Lightweight: Cristian Perez vs. Manoel Sousa
- Heavyweight: Darion Abbey vs. Donte Johnson
Conclusion
Dana White’s Contender Series: Season 9, Week 3 turned into a night of electrifying finishes, with every bout ending in a knockout or TKO. Ryan Gandra overwhelmed Trent Miller in the first round to seal his UFC deal, while Marcio Barbosa’s sharp striking dismantled Damon Wilson in the co-main. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev made the fastest impression of the night with a 30-second stoppage, and Manoel Sousa’s grit carried him to a late finish over Cristian Perez. In the heavyweight bout, Donte Johnson blasted through Darion Abbey with raw power. By the end of the night, Dana White awarded contracts to all five winners, making Week 3 one of the most decisive and action-packed episodes of the season.