Dana White’s Contender Series: Kwon Won-il vs Juan Diaz Preview & Prediction
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Korea’s Kwon takes on Peru’s Diaz in the co-feature bout of Dana White’s Contender Series week 10
Kwon Won-il vs Juan Diaz facts
What time are Kwon Won-il and Juan Diaz expected to walk out?
Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 10? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
DWCS – Season 9, Week 10 card
Michael Oliveira vs Victor Valenzuela (Welterweight)
Freddy Vidal vs Levi Rodrigues (Light Heavyweight)
Kwon Won-il vs Juan Diaz (Bantamweight)
Marwan Rahiki vs Ananias Mulumba (Featherweight)
Azamat Nuftillaev vs Jovan Leka (Heavyweight)
Mario Mingaj vs Wesley Schultz (Middleweight)
Kwon Won-il: South Korea’s relentless pressure machine
Kwon “The Pretty Boy” Won-il (14-5) makes his Contender Series debut at 30 years old after six active years competing for ONE Championship, where he built a 9-5 record against high-level opposition. During that time, he became a fan favourite for his kill-or-be-killed style — a constant pressure fighter who never takes a backward step. While his recent loss might raise questions about his timing for this opportunity, there’s no denying the entertainment factor and danger he brings to the Octagon.
Kwon is an aggressive striker who works behind a clean jab and vicious body shots, often chaining punches in combinations that break down opponents over time. His straight right hand is pinpoint accurate, and his willingness to mix in ground and pound when fights hit the mat adds another layer to his offence. However, his forward style leaves him open defensively, and his takedown defence still has gaps. That said, Kwon has proven exceptionally durable — only stopped twice in his career, both times by elite opposition. When he’s on the front foot, his pace and pressure can overwhelm almost anyone.
Juan Diaz: The Peruvian technician chasing perfection
Juan Diaz (14-1-1) enters the cage at 27 years old as one of Peru’s brightest prospects, holding the LUX bantamweight title and riding a wave of momentum. His lone career loss came via a narrow decision to Rodrigo Vera, a result many felt could have gone the other way. Ranked experience and a well-rounded game have made Diaz one of South America’s most polished bantamweights.
Diaz is a tidy, patient boxer who uses a snappy jab to control range and line up crisp straight punches down the middle. His combinations are sharp and measured, but at times, his patience can border on inactivity. When he lets his hands go, his timing and accuracy shine, particularly when he doubles up the jab and follows with a right cross or uppercut. Defensively, he moves well and maintains a high guard, though he can be susceptible to leg kicks. He’s also a solid grappler — capable of taking the back in scrambles, landing trip takedowns, and holding control without relying heavily on submissions. Diaz’s conditioning is excellent, and he’s gone five rounds twice, showing he can maintain composure over long fights.
Kwon Won-il vs Juan Diaz prediction
This matchup feels tailor-made for fireworks, pitting Diaz’s precise technique against Kwon’s relentless aggression. Diaz will need to shake off his tendency to wait for openings because Kwon won’t give him time to settle. The Korean’s pace, body work, and ability to pour on volume could force Diaz into uncomfortable exchanges where Kwon thrives.
Diaz’s clearest path may come through wrestling and positional control. His clinch takedowns and back takes could help him slow Kwon’s pressure, though it’s unclear if he’ll commit to a grappling-heavy plan. If he allows Kwon to march forward unchecked, he risks being outworked and overwhelmed.
Expect a furious pace early, with both men landing clean shots. Diaz’s durability and composure should keep him competitive, but Kwon’s aggression, combinations, and consistent output make him the more likely fighter to impose his will as the bout progresses.
Prediction: Kwon Won-il to win and over 1.5 rounds
