Predictions, Picks, and Odds for UFC Vegas 99 on Saturday, October 19th

• We’ve made UFC Vegas 99 predictions for Saturday (October 19)
• Anthony Hernandez vs Michel Pereira headlines the card
• Read below for UFC Vegas 99 predictions, odds and props for the biggest fights

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UFC Vegas 99 goes down this Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas. The entire event streams on ESPN+, with prelims starting at 4pm ET and the main card kicking off at 7pm ET.

A crucial matchup between rising middleweight contenders Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira tops the bill. Also featured on the main card is youngster Kyler Phillips vs veteran Rob Font.

Here are our UFC Vegas 98 predictions, picks & odds breakdown

How to Watch UFC Vegas 99

• Date: Saturday, October 19th, 2024
• Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• Fight Times: 4pm ET (Prelims), 7pm ET (Main Card)
• Broadcast: ESPN+ (Full Card)

UFC Vegas 99 Odds – Main Card (October 19)

The biggest favorite on the main card is Kyler Phillips at -535 over Rob Font (+400). Those odds imply Phillips has an 84.25% chance of winning the fight, while Font has just a 20% probability of pulling off the upset.

The most lopsided odds are in the Hadley vs Smotherman fight, with Hadley a hefty -500 favorite (83.33% implied probability) against the +380 underdog Smotherman (20.83%).

The tightest odds on the main card are for the Hernandez vs Pereira headliner, which is close to a pick’em. Hernandez is a slim -142 favorite, giving him 58.68% implied win probability.

Odds as of October 18, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the available DraftKings promos for UFC Vegas 99.

Anthony Hernandez vs Michel Pereira Prediction

The main event features two middleweights riding impressive win streaks. Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (-130) enters on a five-fight tear, while Michel Pereira (+110) has strung together eight straight victories. Neither guy has a ranked win in the UFC yet, so this is a massive opportunity for both.

Pereira’s move to 185 lbs has paid dividends, as he’s gone 3-0 with three first-round finishes. The bigger frame lets him keep his knockout power without killing himself to make weight. He’s a flashy, unorthodox striker boasting a stellar 94% takedown defense.

29	Age	29
12-2 (1 NC)	Record	31-11 (2 NC)
2	Current Win Streak	8
5 KO, 5 Sub	Finish Method	11 KO, 9 Sub
Wrestling	Primary Strength	Striking
Excellent	Cardio	Improved at 185lbs

[/matchup]

Hernandez’s bread and butter is his relentless wrestling, averaging a whopping seven takedowns per 15 minutes. The problem is he often struggles to keep guys down, which could spell trouble against a larger, stronger middleweight like Pereira. Standing, Pereira’s dynamic striking and footwork will make him a tough target for Hernandez’s shot attempts.

Despite the close odds, I’m leaning towards Pereira here. His combo of rock-solid takedown defense, newfound middleweight size, and proven finishing ability gives him more ways to win. Look for Pereira to stuff the takedowns and eventually land the fight-ending blow.

• Prediction: Michel Pereira via KO/TKO

Kyler Phillips vs Rob Font Prediction

The co-main sees up-and-comer Kyler Phillips (-425) square off with veteran Rob Font (+330). Phillips’ well-rounded game, mixing high-volume striking with explosive wrestling, has netted him a 6-1 UFC record. Font’s the bigger name, but he’s dropped 4 of his last 5.

Font’s boxing is still crisp, especially that jab, but his chin is becoming a real question mark. He’s getting dropped way too often, and a young gun like Phillips has the tools to exploit that. Expect Phillips to push a crazy pace, mixing up his strikes with well-timed level changes.

Font’s as tough as they come, having never been finished, but Phillips’ power and output might be too much. I’m picking Phillips to get the late stoppage or run away with a clear decision in a fun scrap.

• Prediction: Kyler Phillips via Decision

Daniel Pineda vs Darren Elkins Prediction

UFC iron man Darren Elkins (-102) takes on the all-action Daniel Pineda (-118) in what should be an absolute banger. Elkins is tough as nails but has a lot of miles on the odometer. Pineda’s a wild man early but tends to fade as the fight goes on.

‘ 0️⃣ Decisiones’ – 🔥 Daniel Pineda #UFCVegas9 pic.twitter.com/HGLH0VpZMm

— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) October 17, 2024

Elkins’ willingness to eat shots and get into firefights plays right into Pineda’s wheelhouse. If Pineda doesn’t gas himself out swinging for the fences, his power and aggression should be too much for an aging Elkins to handle.

Given Elkins’ legendary durability, Pineda by decision at plus odds isn’t a bad play. But my gut says Pineda finds the finish and puts an end to Elkins’ improbable late-career resurgence.

• Prediction: Daniel Pineda via KO/TKO

UFC Vegas 99 is set to take place on Saturday, October 19th, and fight fans are eagerly anticipating the action-packed event. With a stacked card featuring some of the top fighters in the world, there are sure to be plenty of exciting matchups and potential upsets.

One of the most highly anticipated fights of the night is the main event between top-ranked light heavyweight contenders Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker. Santos, known for his devastating knockout power, will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss in his last fight and solidify his place as a title contender. On the other hand, Walker is a rising star in the division with a flashy fighting style and a string of impressive victories. This matchup is sure to be a barnburner and could potentially steal the show.

In the co-main event, we have a clash between two top featherweight contenders in Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze. Barboza, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience in the UFC, will be looking to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Chikadze, on the other hand, is a rising prospect with a perfect record in the UFC and a reputation for his striking prowess. This fight has all the makings of a potential fight of the night candidate.

As for the odds and predictions for UFC Vegas 99, Santos is currently favored to win his main event matchup against Walker. With his proven track record of knockout victories and experience at the top level of the division, many experts are predicting that Santos will come out on top. However, Walker is not to be underestimated and has the potential to pull off an upset with his unorthodox fighting style.

In the co-main event, Barboza is also favored to win his matchup against Chikadze. With his experience and well-rounded skill set, many believe that Barboza will be able to outclass his opponent and secure a victory. However, Chikadze has shown that he is a dangerous striker with knockout power, so this fight could go either way.

Overall, UFC Vegas 99 promises to be an exciting night of fights with plenty of potential for upsets and memorable moments. Fight fans will not want to miss this action-packed event on Saturday, October 19th.