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Dana White’s Contender Series: Rafael Tobias vs Jair De Oliveira Preview & Prediction

by Dan Ahmad · September 22 2025, 09:25
Dana White’s Contender Series: Rafael Tobias vs Jair De Oliveira Preview & Prediction

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Week 7 of the Contender Series kicks off in the light heavyweight division as Rafael Tobias takes on Jair De Oliveira.

Rafael Tobias vs Jair Castro Vianna facts

What time are Rafael Tobias and Jair Castro Vianna expected to walk out?

Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 7 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA

What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 7 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 7? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

DWCS – Season 9, Week 7 card

Mantas Kondratavicius vs Dani Barbir (Middleweight)

Murtazali Magomedov vs Brahyan Zurcher (Featherweight)

Justice Torres vs Javier Reyes (Featherweight)

Rafael Tobias vs Jair De Oliveira (Light Heavyweight)

Jeisla Santos Chaves vs Sofia Montenegro (Women’s Flyweight)

Rafael Tobias: Brazil’s Young Gun 

Rafael Tobias (13-1) is a 22-year-old Brazilian prospect who turned professional in 2022 and has already racked up 14 fights. While his record looks impressive on paper, his level of competition has been questionable, and his lone step up — an LFA bout — ended in a brutal knockout loss.

He holds a BJJ brown belt and is a decent striker, but can be hesitant on the feet. Tobias typically looks to mix in takedowns and utilise his grappling advantage on the mat. Standing 6’2”, he’s the taller man in this match-up and will have physical advantages over his opponent.

Jair De Oliveira: Unbeaten brawler returning to the spotlight

Jair De Oliveira (6-0) may be undefeated, but his career path raises a few red flags. The 29-year-old turned pro in 2015 but then vanished from competition until 2022. His six wins have come against opponents with a combined record of 11-12-1, and he has struggled with conditioning in the past — appearing notably out of shape between camps.

Despite standing just 5’9” — very short for light heavyweight — De Oliveira is deceptively quick and has powerful leg kicks. Four of his six wins have come by KO, and he poses real danger if he can close the distance and let his hands go.

Rafael Tobias vs Jair De Oliveira prediction

Jair’s speed and knockout threat make him a legitimate danger early on, especially if he can land something big. However, Tobias holds key advantages in height, reach, and grappling. He’s also the more experienced and well-rounded martial artist and should look to take this fight to the matt where he holds the clear edge.

Prediction: Rafael Tobias to win

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