UFC Predictions for UFC Vegas 84, including a destructive KO win for Magomed Ankalaev

Get a round of bold UFC predictions for the promotion’s next card, UFC Vegas 84 on Saturday.

After several weeks away due to the December holiday season in the United States, the MMA world leader is back and will kick off their 2024 schedule this weekend. The card inside the UFC Apex will be headlined by a major clash at light heavyweight when top 10 fighters Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker look to inch closer to a title opportunity this year in a rematch of their October bout that ended in controversy.

The card from Las Vegas will also see the return of Octagon veterans Andrei Arlovski, Jim Miller, Phil Hawes, and Ricky Simon. With all of that in mind, we make four bold UFC predictions for several of the major bouts on Saturday’s card.

Bold UFC predictions for UFC Vegas 84 on Saturday

Magomed Ankalaev (17-1-1) vs. Johnny Walker (21-7)

Ankalaev and Walker actually faced off just a few months ago at UFC 294. Unfortunately, the bout only lasted less than a round due to an illegal knee the Russian landed on his Brazilian foe’s face while grounded. Up until that fight-ending moment Ankalaev seemed to be winning the fight and had Walker in a position where he was doing a good bit of damage before he made his silly mistake.

Walker always deserves respect for his impressive athleticism and ability to end a bout with one wild and explosive move. However, Ankalaev is a classic meat-and-potatoes kind of fighter who makes few mistakes and has the type of heavy hands that are always problematic for Walker. Now, with him having a better understanding of his opponent’s style, there is even more reason to expect the heavy favorite to score a definitive W on Saturday.

UFC Vegas 84 odds: Magomed Ankalaev (-455) vs. Johnny Walker (+350)
Prediction: Ankalaev by TKO, Round 2

Ricky Simon (20-4) vs. Mario Bautista (13-2)

The matchup between Ricky Simon and Mario Bautista on Saturday night is a clash of two pretty good under-the-radar bantamweights. The big difference between them, however, is experience and Simon has a fair amount of it in the UFC against some notable competition. For Bautista, this is an opportunity to prove he can compete with top-15 fighters in the division.

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While it won’t be easy, especially due to Simon’s always-tough grappling game, this feels like the moment when Bautista finally breaks through and really makes a name for himself in the company. He will lose a round for sure in this fight, but he will do enough in the other two to score the biggest win of his UFC career and sixth straight.

Odds: Ricky Simon (-180) vs. Mario Bautista (+150)
UFC Prediction: Bautista by unanimous decision

Phil Hawes (12-5) vs. Brunno Ferreira (10-1)

Brunno Ferreira vs. Phil Hawes at UFC Vegas 84 is a fascinating matchup between two middleweights with the ability to end fights early. Especially the Brazilian who has scored first-round finishes in eight of his 10 wins. The big difference between the two is that Hawes has had a tougher schedule during his career.

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While he certainly hasn’t won all his fights, his experience against a higher level of opponents will show on Saturday and it will help him in eeking out a much-needed victory over “The Hulk” after losing three of his last four.

Odds: Phil Hawes (+110) vs. Brunno Ferreira (-130)
UFC Prediction: Hawes by split decision

Jim Miller (36-17) vs. Gabriel Benítez (23-10)

Jim Miller is still competing in the UFC at 40 and he is still pretty good. The New Jersey native has won four of his last five and against some solid competition — including Donald Cerrone. On Saturday he faces another solid foe who is long in the tooth in Gabriel “Moggly” Benitez.

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While the betting odds on this one are close — likely due to Miller’s age — Benitez still seems like an opponent built for Miller to get another win. He is a better ground fighter than a striker, and “A-10” is one of the most underrated grapplers in UFC history. Outside of being hit by a wild head kick that knocks him out, Miller should be able to score a decision win at UFC Vegas 84.

Odds: Jim Miller (-120) vs. Gabriel Benítez (+100)
UFC Prediction: Miller by unanimous decision