Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 Week 2 Preview: Fight Card & What to Expect

Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) is in Week 2 of Season 9, and following a stingy Week 1 when just two contracts were awarded, the heat is on these prospects to spark the trigger. 

We're referring to fighters who have to demonstrate they're UFC material with finishes, durability, and that intangible "it" factor. 

I've broken down this UFC Apex card in Las Vegas, from the fights to the key performers, what the brass is eager to see, watch options, present lines, and my best bets. 

Odds are current DraftKings as of today—always shop around because they can change in a flash with weigh-ins and buzz.

Complete Fight Card For Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Week 2

Tuesday's card features five fights, matching unbeaten risers and battle-tested vets from across weight classes. Scheduled for August 19, 2025, below is the complete slate (tentative to scratches):

1. Featherweight: Manuel Exposito (13-2) vs. Jose Delano (15-3)
2. Middleweight: Brandon Holmes (5-0) vs. Cam Rowston (11-3)
3. Bantamweight: Kaushik Saikumar (5-0) vs. Louis Lee Scott (9-0)
4. Heavyweight: Josh Hokit (5-0) vs. Guilherme Uriel (6-1)
5. Featherweight: Tommy Cuozzi (8-0) vs. Ramiro Jimenez (10-0)

It's a card loaded with pure resumes on the card, which typically equates to firecracker fights as these guys fight for their careers.

Top Fighters To Watch And Potential UFC Contract Candidates

Week 2 is poised for breakout stars who can secure those highly coveted UFC contracts. Dana's made it plain: it's not about winning—it's about dominating with style. Below are my top hounds with contract prospects:

Louis Lee Scott (9-0, Bantamweight): This young Brit, "Lightning," has a nasty combination of speed and ground game, with seven stoppages to his name. In Saikumar, another unbeaten is on the way, and Scott's technical superiority might equate to a highlight reel victory. If he can take it to him early, he's getting out with a bargain—a bantamweight could use new blood like this.

Josh Hokit (5-0, Heavyweight): Jackson Wink prospect with NCAA wrestling experience, Hokit's got that ground-and-pound freight train feel. The heavyweight's not deep in talent, so a wrestling clinic on Uriel can get him the win. Expect him to ragdoll his way into a sub or TKO.

Jose Delano (15-3, Featherweight): The most experienced of this group, Delano has fought his way through Brazil's hard-hitting scene with 12 stoppages. Experience and power yell "UFC ready" if he finishes Exposito. Featherweight embraces hard-hitting finishers, and Delano is one.

Ramiro Jimenez (10-0, Featherweight): Impressive on paper with a skill set that includes KOs, subs, and smart decisions, Jimenez could grab the spotlight against Cuozzi. A gritty, beat-up win in this unbeaten-vs-unbeaten brawl could win him the fight, if he proves he can adapt in the moment.

Past history has shown us that about 70% of contracts end up falling to finishers, so expect these guys to swing for the fences rather than point-fight.

What Dana White And UFC Officials Are Looking For This Season

Dana and the matchmakers are in search of fighters who scream "pay-per-view potential." Week 1 was a wake-up call—only a grueling decision and a brutal KO secured deals, while the distance-winner received the cold shoulder. White's mantra? Heat or leave.

Key most important criteria this season:

• Finishes first: KOs and subs are gold; they indicate you've got that killer mentality instead of grinding out rounds.
•  Fan-friendly fire: High-volume strikers or slick grapplers who keep the action going—no wall-and-stall peddlers.
• All-around game with upside: Versatility is important, but so is upside—guys who can develop in the Octagon.
• Grit under fire: Comebacks or storm-weathering demonstrate UFC-level grit.

White himself said it: this is about discovering stars, not roster fillers. Safe choices will not work in 2025.

How To Watch Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Week 2

Live on the Apex on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. Only on ESPN+ in the US—no cable TV required, just stream. 

Globally, UFC Fight Pass has you covered in most places, with extras like Sportsnet in Canada or Discovery+ in certain regions of Europe. For live stats and analysis, visit ESPN's FightCenter.

Week 2 Betting Lines & Odds through DraftKings Sportsbook

Lines are converging with favorites resting on experience and publicity. Below are the current lines from DraftKings Sportsbook (as of August 18, 2025—changes anticipated):

Props are value-priced but flavorful—consider Delano by KO/TKO at +150 or Hokit against Uriel going the distance at +200. DWCS favorites cash approximately 65% of the time in the past, but underdogs ride again in anarchy.

Our Top Bets

1. Jose Delano by KO/TKO (+150, 1 unit): Delano's ring experience and extra-large hands will overwhelm Exposito's defense. He has the Brazilian power advantage; look for a second-round stoppage to take it. High-value bet in a mismatch.

2. Louis Lee Scott ML (-450, 2 units): Scott's wrestling and speed will pay back Saikumar's idiotic athleticism. Couple that with Under 1.5 rounds for +145 juice—Scott's coming in quick and shutting it down via tap or ref stoppage.

3. Josh Hokit ML (-450, 1.5 units): Hokit's wrestling experience gives us a mat school brawl with Uriel's standup. Include sub prop at +300 if live; heavies don't stand up, and Hokit's wrestling wears 'em down.

Bet sensibly—DWCS is insane, but these match up against fighters wanting to make a name and pay tickets out. Fade at your own peril.