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Week 7 of DWCS airs live at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and three matchups stand above the rest as prospects look to prove they belong under the UFC banner.
In the middleweight featured bout, Dani Barbir meets Mantas Kondratavicius in what could be a clash of raw power versus composure.
Kondratavicius is a dangerous finisher who thrives when he presses the pace and forces mistakes. But Barbir has shown durability and a grinding style that can sap opponents over time. This is a classic case of early danger versus late pressure.
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Before the headliner, Brahyan Zurcher faces off against Murtazali Magomedov in an intriguing featherweight matchup.
Zurcher has impressed with his striking combinations and ability to control distance, mixing fluid offense with constant activity. Magomedov is the complete opposite, relying on takedowns, control, and positional dominance to turn fights into grappling battles.
The winner here will show UFC-level readiness by proving they can dictate where the fight plays out.
Another featherweight matchup sits at the heart of the card with Javier Reyes taking on Justice Torres.
Reyes is a relentless pressure fighter who employs volume striking to overwhelm his opponents. Torres, however, thrives in wars of attrition, pushing pace and landing cracking shots until opponents unravel. This fight has the potential to steal the show if both refuse to take a step back.
For this week’s episode, we’ll take a look at our DWCS predictions and picks for these marquee matchups, including our PrizePicks MMA Lineup for Week 7.
Dani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavicius Prediction, Preview
The middleweight featured bout on Week 7 of DWCS pits undefeated Dani Barbir (7-0) against Mantas Kondratavicius (7-1) in a high-stakes clash between two dangerous prospects. Both men bring momentum and unique skill sets to the cage, making this fight a potential statement for a UFC contract.
Barbir enters as the more well-rounded of the two, blending technical striking, sound grappling and strong fight IQ into a versatile package. He fights with patience and poise, switching gears smoothly between ranges, whether it’s punishing his opponents with clean combinations or mixing in opportunistic takedowns.
His composure under fire combined with his ability to adapt mid-fight makes him a tough riddle to solve. For Barbir, dictating the pace and forcing Kondratavicius into extended exchanges could be the key to showcasing his complete game.
Kondratavicius, however, is a true knockout threat with dynamite in his hands.
Four of his seven career wins have come by knockout, and he thrives in firefights where precision and power can end the bout in an instant. He carries a calm explosiveness, often waiting for just one mistake before uncorking a bomb that changes everything. If he can draw Barbir into a brawl, the Lithuanian has the kind of fight-ending power that can change the landscape of a bout in a second.
This matchup is a textbook contrast of all-around skillset versus one-punch danger. If Barbir can control the rhythm and avoid getting clipped, his balanced attack could keep his zero intact. But if Kondratavicius lands clean, all it takes is one shot to seal his ticket to the UFC's middleweight roster.
Barbir vs. Kondratavicius Prediction: 36.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- Dani Barbir has finished all seven of his opponents.
- Only one of his last five fights has seen a second round.
- In his seven wins, four of them have come by knockout, and three have come by submission.
- Mantas Kondratavicius has finished all seven of his wins.
- His finishes include 5 knockouts and 2 submissions.
- Four out of his last five fights have not seen a second round.
Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov Prediction, Preview
The featherweight matchup between Brahyan Zurcher (9-0) and Murtazali Magomedov (9-0) on Week 7 of DWCS is an elite clash of undefeated prospects.
Brahyan Zurcher, out of Mexico by way of Cobrinha BJJ Academy in Las Vegas, is known for his polished, well-rounded game. His striking is fluid, based on clean boxing combinations and sharp counters, while his grappling has developed into a reliable asset when the fight hits the mat.
Zurcher excels at controlling tempo and finding openings as opponents tire, allowing him to methodically pick them apart. He also boasts the composure and fight IQ to adapt mid-match, making him a difficult puzzle to solve inside the cage.
Murtazali Magomedov, meanwhile, represents Kyrgyzstan but adapts the Dagestani blueprint that has produced top-level fighters from that region. He thrives on relentless wrestling, chain takedowns, and crushing top control, often exhausting his foes before threatening submissions or unleashing ground-and-pound attacks.
Though his grappling base is his foundation, Magomedov also carries underrated power in his hands, particularly in his right cross that serves as a setup for level changes. His iron-clad discipline and ability to dictate the fight’s geography make him a nightmare matchup for most strikers.
This bout boils down to Zurcher’s ability to maintain space and apply his striking acumen versus Magomedov’s relentless wrestling attack.
Whoever dictates the range will likely walk away with a UFC contract, while the other leaves with their undefeated record broken under the DWCS spotlight.
Zurcher vs. Magomedov Prediction: 69.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- Brahyan Zurcher has yet to taste defeat in his nine professional bouts.
- He has finished seven of his nine opponents.
- His finishes are split between knockouts (4) and submissions (3).
- Murtazali Magomedov is an undefeated prospect, winning all nine of his fights.
- He has never seen the judges’ scorecards, finishing all nine of his opponents.
- Magomedov’s finishes are split between knockouts (4) and submissions (5).
Javier Reyes vs. Justice Torres Prediction, Preview
The featherweight clash between Javier Reyes (21-5) and Justice Torres (12-3) on Week 7 of DWCS is a seasoned-versus-surging showdown that could produce fireworks. Both fighters bring a wealth of experience and proven finishing ability, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of the season.
Javier Reyes enters with over 25 professional fights, a veteran of the regional scene who has earned a reputation for relentless pressure and volume striking. He blends heavy combinations with a strong clinch game, often overwhelming opponents with pace and toughness.
Reyes also has a knack for turning wild exchanges into opportunities, using his durability and composure to take control when fights get chaotic. With his well-rounded skill set and experience against high-level competition, he carries the kind of poise that DWCS often rewards.
Justice Torres, on the other hand, represents the new wave of hungry prospects looking to break through. Training out of 4oz Fight Club alongside rising talents like Joshua Van and Michael Aswell, he has developed a sharp striking arsenal backed by solid defensive grappling.
Torres thrives at maintaining range, snapping out a quick jab and mixing in low kicks to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm. When pressed, he’s shown grit and the ability to counter effectively, giving him the tools to turn momentum in his favor. His youth and athleticism could pose problems for a volume fighter like Reyes who depends on pace.
This fight comes down to whether Reyes can impose chaos and grind Torres down, or if Torres shifts the tide with slick counters and measured offense. With both fighters eager to make a definitive impression, this DWCS matchup has the potential to steal the show on Tuesday night.
Reyes vs. Torres Prediction: Javier Reyes 35.5 Significant Strikes
- Javier Reyes is the most experienced fighter in Week 7 with 26 professional bouts.
- He has seen the judges’ scorecards in six of his 26 bouts.
- Reyes has finished 17 of his 21 wins, which are mixed between knockouts (9) and submissions (8).
- Justice Torres has never been finished in his 15-fight professional career.
- He has six wins by finish (KO/TKO, 1 SUB) and six wins by decision.
Make DWCS Predictions on PrizePicks
Week 7 of the DWCS is set for this Tuesday, September 23, live on ESPN+. We have five matchups with some of the top MMA prospects — including Barbir vs. Kondratavicius, Zucher vs. Magomedov, and Reyes vs. Torres — fighting outside of the UFC, all of whom are looking to secure their contracts.
You can win real money by locking in your DWCS predictions on PrizePicks.
Just go to the PrizePicks MMA board, pick two or more UFC fighter projections, lock in your Lineup, and cash in if your picks are on point in Tuesday night's fights.
