Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Johnny Walker squared off in the heavyweight main event at UFC Vegas 124, a short-notice collision that MMA Fighting reported unfolded live from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Cortes-Acosta, who is the No. 8 at heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, is coming off a two-fight skid after losses to Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov. Walker makes a quick turnaround after a successful jump up from light heavyweight in October at UFC 332, where he knocked out Mick Parkin.
This card was reshaped on the fly, with the main event originally slated as a welterweight bout between Sean Brady and Gabriel Bonfim before Brady’s withdrawal with a staph infection forced the UFC to call upon Cortes-Acosta and Walker.
Walker Faces Contender on Skid
- Walker’s recent performances, including his successful jump up from light heavyweight in October, are being tested as he faces a contender on a two-fight skid.
- Strawweight Title Race Heats: The co-main event featured Tatiana Suarez and Virna Jandiroba, with Suarez looking to make her case for a title shot against Mackenzie Dern.
The Heavyweight Collision: Power vs. Pressure
Cortes-Acosta, ranked No. 8 by MMA Fighting entering the night, showcased his power, while Walker was looking to build on his successful move up from light heavyweight in October. The loss is a significant setback for Walker, who was making an appearance at heavyweight after a successful jump up from 205 pounds in October.
READY TO GO 😤 Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Johnny Walker is this weekend's main event!#UFCVegas124 | Live Sunday | 🇦🇺 Paramount+ | 🇳🇿 TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/DrqjrP0ME8
Chess Match in the Strawweight Division
In the co-main event, Tatiana Suarez and Virna Jandiroba battled in a potential UFC women’s strawweight title eliminator. Both fighters entered the contest ranked in the top five, with Suarez at No. 3 and Jandiroba at No. 2, and the bout lived up to its billing as a potential grappling-based chess match. Suarez, 9-1 in the UFC, is closing in on a title shot against Mackenzie Dern. With her recent wins over Amanda Lemos and Loopy Godinez, Suarez has put herself in line for a title shot against champion Mackenzie Dern.
Grant's Toughness on Display
The main card featured several compelling bouts that defined the event’s depth. Davey Grant, the 40-year-old Englishman known for his toughness, competed in a bout with Elijah Smith. Although not ranked, Grant has won six bonuses and is someone who always fights for your money.
A little taste of what he can do Elijah Smith looks to remain undefeated at #UFCVegas124 [ NOV 7 | 8pmET LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/V01wdWprsg
Elsewhere, Lucas Fernando’s striking was on full display against Billy Elekana. UFC commentator Joe Rogan, as noted by UFC.com, was effusive in his praise of Fernando’s skills, noting that he “threw everything, including the kitchen sink.” This phenomenal fight, as Sportsnet.ca described it, flew under the radar but delivered on its promise of action.
The preliminary card saw Jose Souza make a statement with a first-round KO victory over Jonny Parsons at 4:16, a performance that announced his presence in the division.
It was the knee that started it! 🦵💥 Lucas Fernando is raring to keep his streak going in #UFCVegas124! pic.twitter.com/5xPsIqBimr
| Fighter | Result | Previous Record (UFC) | Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta | Competitor | 10-4 | In the contender picture |
| Johnny Walker | Competitor | N/A | Recent jump up from light heavyweight |
| Tatiana Suarez | Competitor | 9-1 | Closing in on a title shot |
For Cortes-Acosta, the fight follows his back-to-back losses to Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
Who u got: Cortes Acosta or Walker? #UFCVegas124 is LIVE TONIGHT on @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/7cdDIvk2MJ
More on Mackenzie Dern
A slick takedown in RD1 😎 [ #UFCVegas124 is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/LYpntvqxRK
Who grabs the bounce-back win? 🗣️ Seokhyeon Ko vs Wellington Turman [ #UFCVegas124 is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/d391R7buTH
#UFCVegas124 prelims are NOW LIVE on @paramountplus! Parsons vs Souza is up first! pic.twitter.com/ABZo3BNkLJ
