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A last-minute shuffle at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas turned what could have been a dampened UFC night into an electric card. When Sean Brady’s illness forced the scheduled headliner off the bill, the promotion scrambled—and heavyweight standouts Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Johnny Walker answered the call on short notice, suddenly giving UFC Vegas 124 a main event with genuine knockout potential.
With a full, fourteen-fight slate airing live on Paramount+ beginning at 5 p.m. ET, fight fans can expect nonstop action from the prelims through the late main-card bouts. Expect fireworks, momentum swings and a handful of prospects hoping to use this stage as a career-making moment.
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The heavyweight replacement bout brings two very different but equally dangerous punchers together. Johnny Walker made a high-profile transition to the heavyweight ranks late last year and arrived with a highlight-reel finish that showcased his unconventional striking and athleticism. Freed from a severe weight cut, his movement and timing have improved, and he’s suddenly a more volatile threat inside the cage.
Across from him, Waldo Cortes-Acosta carries authentic, game-changing power. A former professional baseball pitcher who shifted to combat sports, Cortes-Acosta has tested himself against the division’s elite and comes in motivated to rebound after razor-thin decisions against top opponents. Given both fighters’ preference for trading big punches, this matchup looks tailor-made for an early finish rather than a judges’ decision.
Women’s strawweight co-main: Suarez vs. Jandiroba — grappling vs. grappling
The co-main features a fascinating stylistic puzzle: two elite ground specialists with championship-level credentials. Tatiana Suarez and Virna Jandiroba both have shown an ability to impose their will on opponents through superior wrestling and submission hunting. The central question for bettors and viewers alike is whether one woman can consistently control where the fight goes, or if their comparable grappling will cancel out and produce a memorable stand-up battle.
Main card action (8 p.m. ET): matchups built for excitement
The rest of the late card is stacked with fights likely to produce memorable moments. Below are the key bouts to track and what they bring to the table:
- Davey Grant vs. Elijah Smith (bantamweight) — A classic experience vs. youth showdown. Grant’s fan-friendly, pressure-heavy striking will test Smith’s upward trajectory and technical poise.
- Billy Elekana vs. Lucas Fernando (light heavyweight) — Two heavy-handed fighters who can end a contest with a single shot; expect heavy exchanges and power punching.
- Priscila Cachoeira vs. Nina Milosevic (women’s division) — A forward-moving, aggressive matchup where constant pressure and volume could end opportunities early.
- Mitch Raposo vs. Marcos Degli (flyweight) — Speed and pace headlines this pairing; the flyweights should push a blistering tempo from the opening bell.
Early prelims (5 p.m. ET): young contenders and instant drama
The opening slate on Paramount+ is loaded with prospects trying to climb divisional rankings and veterans aiming to halt momentum. Fans should tune in early to catch the following matchups:
- Karine Silva vs. Gabriella Fernandes (flyweight) — An all-Brazilian clash that contrasts Silva’s aggressive submission instincts with Fernandes’ crisp outside striking. A textbook stylistic matchup.
- Gabriel Lorenco vs. Thomas Petersen (heavyweight) — Heavyweight bouts like this are unpredictable; one clean shot can instantly change a fighter’s trajectory.
- Austin Bashi vs. Carlos Calderon (featherweight, short notice) — Bashi is a prospect to watch, while Calderon’s late call-up adds an element of unknown strategy and urgency.
- Jonny Parsons vs. Jose Henrique Souza — Parsons brings a fan-friendly, high-action style that usually delivers memorable striking exchanges.
Risers, dark horses and betting angles to consider
Several fighters on this card could emerge as divisional spoilers or breakout names:
- Johnny Walker — If his speed and creativity carry over fully at heavyweight, he’s a serious short-term threat to anyone he faces.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta — A win here could catapult him back toward the top 10; his power makes him a dangerous betting proposition in any round.
- Karine Silva — Her ground finishing ability could end fights early, making her an attractive watch for submission hunters.
- Short-notice entries like Carlos Calderon can upset momentum; they’re often undervalued by oddsmakers but motivated and dangerous.
Broadcast details and how to watch
The full card airs live from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, with preliminary coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+. The late main card ramps up around 8 p.m. ET. With a mix of established names, returning veterans and hungry newcomers, this event is positioned to deliver dramatic finishes and storyline pivots across multiple divisions.
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John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
