This Saturday, November 7, 2026, the UFC will remain inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, for UFC Vegas 124. When a lackluster fight card loses its main event, the result usually isn’t positive — but that’s exactly what UFC Vegas 124 becomes. Despite that, there are several intriguing matchups scattered throughout the event, and perhaps an unknown contender will rise from this lesser-known slate.
Here’s a breakdown and forecast of the five highlighted main card bouts:
Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez (-185) vs. Virna Jandiroba (+165)
Top wins: Suarez beat Alexa Grasso; Jandiroba has taken down Yan Xiaonan
Momentum: Suarez holds two wins in a row; Jandiroba just snagged a victory
X-Factor: Suarez has battled numerous injuries over her career
Analysis: This fight features two highly ranked, relevant contenders. Suarez was once the clear Strawweight frontrunner, dominating top competition before injuries delayed her title shot and dulled her edge by the time she met Zhang Weili. However, she’s since kept active and secured a couple of wins without facing Mackenzie Dern. Jandiroba, a jiu-jitsu specialist, has been dominant except for two losses to Dern that stalled her progress. While a striking battle isn’t favorable for either, Suarez is likely to use her wrestling to challenge Jandiroba on the ground. Jandiroba excels at submissions from dominant positions, which means Suarez’s ability to maintain control and avoid submissions will be key. Given the three-round format, Suarez needs to control two rounds and defend submission attempts—feasible against a fighter with only one submission in her last ten wins.
Prediction: Suarez wins by decision
Bantamweight: Davey Grant (+205) vs. Elijah Smith (+280)
Best wins: Grant over Raphael Assuncao; Smith defeated Vince Morales
Current form: Grant came out on top in his last fight; Smith is undefeated 3-0 in the UFC
X-Factor: Grant is 16 years older than Smith
Matchup: The most exciting clash on the card: a seasoned veteran meets an up-and-coming prospect. Grant, a 40-year-old from England, has revitalized his career with relentless striking and excellent cardio. Smith represents the future—an athletic prospect with powerful takedowns and budding stand-up skills. Despite the age gap suggesting Smith should prevail, Grant’s experience and skill set outclass anyone Smith has faced so far. Expect Grant to frustrate Smith on the mat and chip away with varied strikes, potentially wearing down the younger fighter.
Prediction: Grant wins via decision
Welterweight: Seokhyeon Ko (-800) vs. Wellington Turman (+510)
Top wins: Ko beat Phil Rowe; Turman bested Misha Cirkunov
Recent form: Ko lost his last fight; Turman dropped his previous three
X-Factor: Turman is prone to absorbing punishment
Overview: Ko, a 33-year-old aggressive striker who integrates takedowns with heavy combos, faces Turman, a submission-focused grappler with eight submission wins. Despite Turman’s age and submission edge, his defensive skills are questionable. Ko will likely press forward to impose his game plan, making the fight a test of whether Turman can reverse or catch a submission during grappling exchanges. Betting on submissions off the bottom is rarely a winning choice here.
Prediction: Ko wins by decision
Light Heavyweight: Billy Elekana (+240) vs. Lucas Fernando (-295)
Notable wins: Elekana over Ibo Aslan; Fernando over Rafael Tobias
Form: Elekana boasts three consecutive wins; Fernando secured a win in his UFC debut
X-Factor: Who will bring the fight to the ground?
Fight dynamics: Both are rangy 205-pound kickboxers. Elekana is the more versatile MMA fighter, comfortable mixing striking with willingness to grapple—demonstrated in his last win via submission. Fernando, a former LFA champion, shines with precise striking and reach advantage. Elekana will need to navigate through Fernando’s long-range attacks to land impactful shots or takedowns. Given Fernando’s sharp striking and reach, a stand-up clash will likely favor him.
Prediction: Fernando wins by knockout
Middleweight: Andre Petroski (+250) vs. Mantas Kondratavicius (-320)
Best wins: Petroski over Rodolfo Vieira; Kondratavicius over Antonio Trocoli
Current streak: Petroski on a three-fight skid; Kondratavicius fresh off a UFC debut win
X-Factor: Petroski’s susceptibility to strikes
Matchup insight: Petroski began his UFC tenure strong but has struggled lately, showing vulnerability in striking defense. Kondratavicius is a younger, aggressive finisher who combines volume striking and takedowns. This fight could either end quickly with Kondratavicius overwhelming Petroski or descend into a grindfest if Petroski leans on his wrestling experience. Considering momentum and potential, Kondratavicius looks poised to capitalize and deliver a knockout.
Prediction: Kondratavicius wins by knockout
‘X-Factor’ Picks for 2026: 67-38 (1)
For the full UFC Vegas 124 fight card and lineup, click here.
Fan Take: UFC Vegas 124 may lack star power after the main event’s cancellation, but it still offers exciting matchups that highlight the depth of talent in the sport. This event is crucial for emerging fighters to prove their worth and for veterans to reaffirm their status, shaping the competitive landscape across multiple divisions.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
