Contender Series 2025: Week 3 Overview
The road to the UFC continues as Dana White's Contender Series returns to Las Vegas for Week 3 on August 27, 2025. Five matchups will decide who takes the next step toward a contract, with a mix of proven veterans and hungry newcomers ready to showcase their skills at the UFC Apex.
Main Event Spotlight: Miller vs. Gandra
The headline bout pits Trent Miller against Brazilian striker Ryan Gandra in what promises to be a high-paced war (Fight Details). Miller’s well-rounded pressure style meets Gandra’s knockout power, making this the fight most likely to earn Dana White’s instant approval for a contract.
Co-Main Event: Barbosa vs. Wilson
Elsewhere on the card, Brazilian talent Márcio Barbosa takes on California’s own Damon Wilson (Fight Details). Barbosa’s slick grappling will clash with Wilson’s knockout instincts in a stylistic matchup that could produce fireworks.
Other Key Matchups to Watch
German prospect Alik Lorenz collides with battle-tested Russian Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (Fight Details). This fight is expected to be a tactical battle of grappling control and striking pressure.
Lightweight action will heat up as Mexican standout Cristian Pérez squares off against undefeated Brazilian finisher Manoel Sousa (Fight Details). Pérez’s grinding style could be the test Sousa needs to prove he’s UFC-ready.
The card opens with a heavyweight clash between Darion Abbey and Donte Johnson (Fight Details), two massive athletes looking to make an immediate statement.
