Since the UFC last visited the Meta Apex in early August, the promotion has delivered a fantastic run of events. UFC Vegas 121, however, stands out as a quieter weekend for the MMA powerhouse.
Rising star Raul Rosas Jr., just 21 years old and a standout from the Contender Series, is making his UFC main event debut. He faces off against the experienced Raoni Barcelos, 39, creating an 18-year age difference between the two. Interestingly, this marks Barcelos’ first main event in the UFC, despite being a part of the organization since 2018—a time when Rosas was just a teenager.
This weekend, the bantamweight divisions for both men and women take center stage. One of the most consequential fights in terms of rankings is the women’s bantamweight co-main event, where Norma Dumont and Ailin Perez clash in a rare high-profile matchup for this division in 2026.
Additionally, this card features the finals of “The Ultimate Fighter 34″—surprisingly, a part of the event that even some fans might have missed.
135 pounds: Raul Rosas Jr. (-160) vs. Raoni Barcelos (+135)
I’ve been skeptical of Rosas since his 2023 loss to Christian Rodriguez and have only predicted upsets from him sporadically since. This fight feels like Rosas taking on a highly polished version of himself, stylistically speaking.
Barcelos has quietly built one of the best win streaks in the sport, currently at five straight victories, including wins over UFC Vegas 121 fighters Ricky Simon and Montel Jackson. He’s also beaten bigger names like Payton Talbott and Cody Garbrandt.
Expect a grappling-heavy battle that could hinge on endurance over the full 25 minutes. Rosas’ victory over Rob Font serves as a strong indicator—Font is a tough, veteran opponent somewhat similar to Barcelos. Rosas has improved enough to compete with someone like Barcelos, and his youth should give him an edge in stamina. It will be a tough fight, but I lean toward Rosas pulling through.
Pick: Rosas Jr.
135 pounds: Norma Dumont (+120) def. Ailín Pérez (-145)
Norma Dumont returns with a serious grudge against Ailín Pérez in a crucial top-five contender bout. The UFC normally doesn’t spotlight this division much, so the recent mid-week card upgrade suggests the matchmakers recognized the tension here and rightly promoted it.
Pérez stands a good chance to fight for the title next with a win, whereas Dumont’s chances are slim after her recent losing streak ended against Joselyne Edwards, who Pérez has already beaten.
Pérez has relied heavily on her wrestling and dominant top control, but has yet to face an opponent as physically imposing and tactically savvy as Dumont—plus the added factor of Dumont’s clear dislike for her.
Dumont’s fight intelligence and well-rounded skill set, honed against tougher competition for longer, make her a serious threat. This might be her last chance to mount a title push.
Pick: Dumont
205 pounds: Luis Hernandez vs. Sedriques Dumas
In a puzzling decision, Sedriques Dumas remains on the UFC roster and has been moved into one of the top fights after his original opponent, Mickey Gall, withdrew.
Enter Luis Hernandez, a police officer who replaced Gall on short notice. Hernandez is an undefeated 8-0 prospect who recently secured his UFC contract via the Contender Series. This fight is notable for the contrast between Hernandez, a law enforcement officer, and Dumas, who has a lengthy history with the law, including multiple arrests in recent years.
Given Hernandez’s recent fight preparation and Dumas’ troubled past and recent ring struggles, Hernandez is favored in this matchup.
Pick: Hernandez
135 pounds: Mehemmedeli Osmanli (-300) vs. Ilimbek Akylbek (+240)
This is the first final of “TUF 34.” If you haven’t watched the season, you’re not alone—few are expected to tune in by 2026 standards.
Based on their names, the fight feels like something out of an obscure fighting promotion highlight reel. Nonetheless, Azerbaijani Mehemmedeli Osmanli is on a roll with nine straight wins since his only career loss in August 2022, earning this final spot under Michael Bisping’s coaching.
Ilimbek Akylbek, just a year older at 23, has had a tougher “TUF” journey, relying on close decisions while suffering knockouts in previous losses.
Pick: Osmanli
115 pounds: Melissa Amaya (+185) vs. Valesca Machado (-225)
Despite a Contender Series loss in 2021, Valesca “Tina Black” Machado has proven herself in the strawweight division with only one loss to Danni McCormack in eight fights since. She brings some of the best Muay Thai skills at 115 pounds and has already impressed in her UFC debut.
Melissa Amaya, an undefeated former Combate Global standout, stormed through “TUF” with a submission and a TKO, earning the best finals matchup among her peers.
Machado’s improved grappling, thanks to work with BJJ expert Virna Jandiroba, compliments her striking. This final matchup is likely to showcase “Tina Black” at her best.
Pick: Machado
Preliminary Notes
A rematch between Montel Jackson and Ricky Simon was unexpected. This fight challenged Simon early in his UFC career, and despite the shifts in their trajectories since 2018, Simon still looks the likely winner, particularly given Jackson’s inconsistent career.
Yazmin Jauregui’s return is another highlight, as she faces Vanessa Demopoulos in a matchup that could end with a spectacular finish by either fighter.
Quick Picks:
- Rinya Nakamura (-375) over Brady Hiestand (+300)
- Rodolfo Vieira (-160) over Robert Bryczek (+135)
- Rodolfo Bellato (-180) over Christian Edwards (+145)
- Josiah Harrell (-135) over Elves Brener (+110)
- Ricky Simón (+170) over Montel Jackson (-210)
- John Castañeda (-350) over Alateng Heili (+275)
- Yazmin Jauregui (-900) over Vanessa Demopoulos (+575)
Fan Take:
This UFC Vegas 121 card, though quieter than recent events, is crucial for showcasing rising talent like Rosas Jr. and pivotal contender matchups that could redefine the bantamweight landscape. Fans should keep a close eye on these fights—they might signal the next wave of champions and provide insight into the evolving competitiveness of the UFC divisions.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
