Apollo Gomes predicts knockout victory finish at DWCS: ‘Dana White is going to be impressed’

Apollo Gomes is preparing for his Dana White's Contender Series debut on Tuesday in Las Vegas, where he faces Won Il Kwon in a bantamweight matchup. The Brazilian fighter from Chute Boxe in São Paulo has won three straight bouts to earn his shot at a UFC contract and is confident he can finish Kwon, who suffered a knockout loss in his own DWCS debut earlier in 2025.

Gomes believes the UFC matchmakers paired him with Kwon deliberately, recognizing both competitors' aggressive striking styles. "I think the UFC put this fight together because they know both of us are very tough and like to stand and bang," Gomes told MMA Fighting. "I have a more complete game when it comes to MMA." The 31-year-old South Korean Kwon is a former ONE Championship contender making his second DWCS appearance after losing to Juan Diaz in October 2025. With six wins in his last eight ONE fights, Kwon presents a formidable test, though Gomes predicts a dominant performance that will secure Dana White's approval.

Training alongside elite company at his São Paulo gym—including UFC fighters like BMF champion Charles Oliveira, top welterweight Ian Machado Garry, and featherweight Norma Dumont—Gomes feels positioned for a UFC breakthrough. He credits his teammates' success and mentorship for fueling his belief that a title run is achievable. Beyond his personal ambitions, Gomes carries deeper motivation: he intends to dedicate his potential contract to Allan Nascimento, a late flyweight training partner and close friend who passed away in August. Nascimento, who once cornered Gomes in a UFC fight, had consistently encouraged him toward this moment. "I'm going to carry his story with me in there," Gomes said. "I'm going to bring that contract home for both of us."