UFC Apex 99: A Night of Intense Matchups in Las Vegas
The UFC Apex in Las Vegas is gearing up for an electrifying night as it hosts its 99th event this Saturday. Fans and fighters alike are buzzing with anticipation for the main card, which features a highly-anticipated middleweight showdown between two rising contenders, Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira. As both fighters enter this pivotal bout riding impressive win streaks, their clash promises to be one for the books.
The Main Event: Hernandez vs. Pereira
Anthony Hernandez, fresh off his 31st birthday, is stepping into his first main event with an impressive five-fight win streak under his belt. Known as "Fluffy," Hernandez has showcased his finishing ability, achieving three consecutive stoppages. His latest victory came against Roman Kopylov at UFC 298 in February, where he demonstrated his versatile skill set. Hernandez’s resilience and grappling prowess could offer a distinct advantage against his opponent.
Michel Pereira, also 31, is in a remarkable form of his own, having won eight consecutive fights, three of which ended in stoppages since moving to the middleweight division. Pereira has developed a reputation for his explosive striking and creative techniques that keep opponents guessing. With a blend of machismo and showmanship, the Brazilian fighter often captivates the audience with his performance. Both athletes weighed in at 185.5 pounds, signaling that they come into this fight in peak physical condition.
Oddsmakers have noticed Pereira’s rise in popularity as he garners 80 percent of the total fight bets, driving his odds from +135 down to +110 at BetMGM. Conversely, Hernandez is holding steady at -135, attracting 54 percent of the betting money. These shifting odds illustrate the excitement surrounding this prominent matchup.
The Co-Main Event: Font vs. Phillips
In the co-main event, seasoned bantamweight Rob Font faces off against younger contender Kyler Phillips. This fight is crucial for the 37-year-old Font, who has experienced a challenging run, losing four out of his last five fights. Known for his striking and heart, Font will look to prove he still belongs in the conversation among elite fighters.
Phillips brought a three-fight win streak into this matchup, showcasing his readiness to ascend the bantamweight ranks. The public has heavily backed Phillips, who opened as a -300 favorite and has seen those odds rise to -450, with 83 percent of the betting on his side. Font, despite being a prominent fighter with a loyal fan base, is the underdog at +340, a position he must overcome to remain relevant within the division.
A Clash of Styles: Johnson vs. Sumudaerji
The matchup between Charles Johnson and Sumudaerji adds another intriguing layer to the main card. Johnson is on a roll, having won all three of his fights in 2024, including a stunning third-round knockout against Joshua Van. Meanwhile, Sumudaerji finds himself under pressure, entering the Octagon with two consecutive losses. Each fighter’s strategy will be essential, and Johnson’s momentum can work to his advantage.
The betting community remains divided, with Johnson favored at -225, having received 55 percent of the bets, while Sumudaerji, struggling for a bounce-back, captured slightly more money at 54 percent.
Short Notice Showdown: Smotherman vs. Hadley
The fight between Cameron Smotherman and Jake Hadley is distinctive, as Smotherman steps in on less than a week’s notice to replace an injured Brady Hiestand. With just one previous fight in the Dana White Contender Series, Smotherman aims to make a mark in his UFC debut. In contrast, Hadley has shown resilience with three wins in his UFC tenure.
Initially opening as a hefty -500 favorite, Hadley’s odds have tightened to -115 after significant public support for Smotherman, who has drawn 86 percent of the bets at -105. This dynamic showcases the unpredictable nature of the octagon and the potential for an upset.
Featherweight Veterans: Elkins vs. Pineda
A clash of veterans heads to the Octagon with Darren Elkins taking on Daniel Pineda. Elkins, now 40, is making his 29th UFC appearance and aims to build off his last victory over TJ Brown. Meanwhile, Pineda, although facing a tough stretch, will be looking to redeem himself and prevent a third consecutive loss.
Interestingly, Elkins has transformed from a slight underdog at +100 to a heavy favorite at -350, reflecting a strong public backing of 87 percent. Pineda’s odds have swung dramatically from -120 to +275, revealing a compelling narrative for his comeback attempt.
Opening Act: Nicolau vs. Almabayev
Kicking off the main card is an exciting flyweight matchup between Matheus Nicolau and Asu Almabayev. Nicolau, aiming to halt a troubling slide with consecutive knockout defeats, needs this fight to regain contractor standing. Almabayev, on the other hand, enters with a stunning 16-fight win streak and has yet to experience defeat since joining the UFC.
The public is leaning towards Almabayev, who has garnered 54 percent of the bets and an impressive 79 percent of the money at -210, while Nicolau sits at +170 and fights for his career momentum.
Conclusion
UFC Apex 99 is more than just an event; it’s a canvas where fighters paint their legacies, define their careers, and battle for respect among peers. With a lineup rich in narrative, stakes, and raw talent, fans should expect an exhilarating evening of fights. The main card kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, promising to deliver drama, skill, and memorable moments. Whether you’re rooting for underdogs or established veterans, Saturday night is bound to be a showcase of what makes the UFC a premier fighting organization.
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