Middleweight contenders take the UFC Apex by storm this Saturday in UFC Vegas 109 as the streaking Anthony Hernandez aims to secure his shot at the title by halting the warpath of Georgian bruiser Roman Dolidze. Before that, however, flyweight contenders battle in a fun matchup for the division, with Steve Erceg taking on Ode’ Osbourne.
UFC Vegas 109 Main Event
Undefeated since 2020, Hernandez has enjoyed one of the most incredible rises to contention in modern middleweight history, logging phenomenal wins over the likes of Roman Kopylov, Michel Pereira and Brendan Allen. On a mission to punch his ticket to the belt, “Fluffy” can potentially earn himself a headlining pay-per-view spot if he comes out with his hand raised this weekend in UFC Vegas 109.
Riding a three-fight win streak, Dolidze stands as a top name in the 185-lb class after recording a monumental victory over one-time championship challenger Marvin Vettori back in March. Seeking to add even more fuel to his momentum, the European hard puncher can take a huge step up the rankings with a win in his second main event in a row at UFC Vegas 109.
UFC Vegas 109 Co-Main Event
Coming off an unfortunate setback to divisional staple Kai Kara-France, Erceg is hoping to get his championship aspirations back on track in the UFC Vegas 109 co-main event. Currently on a three-bout losing streak, “Astro Boy” steps up to a different weight class to battle another gritty veteran.
Recently snapping a three-fight losing skid, Osbourne finds himself in the win column for the first time since February 2023. Putting on another ten pounds before UFC Vegas 109, “The Jamaican Sensation” vies for his place among the best in the promotion opposite a one-time UFC title challenger.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Rounding out the main card, Iasmin Lucindo tussles with Ultimate Fighter alum Angela Hill. Then Team Alpha Male product Andre Fili goes toe-to-toe with hot prospect Christian Rodriguez. Aslo, Miles Johns locks horns with a rebounding Jean Matsumoto. Finally, Eryk Anders comes to blows with Christian Leroy Duncan.
UFC Vegas 109 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC Vegas 109 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after PFL Johannesburg (2025):
- Hank Strandberg: 116-71
- Drew Zuhosky: 96-91
- Jeremy Brand: 88-71
- Frazer Krohn: 87-69
- Andrew Benjamin: 20-82
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Christian Leroy Duncan -460
Vs.
Eryk Anders +360
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Leroy Duncan by First Round Knockout
Hank Strandberg: Leroy Duncan by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Anders by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Leroy Duncan by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Leroy Duncan: 3
Staff picking Anders: 1
Jean Matsumoto -265
Vs.
Miles Johns +225
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Matsumoto by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Matsumoto by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Johns by first round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Johns by first round Knockout
Staff picking Matsumoto: 2
Staff picking Johns: 2
Christian Rodriguez -230
Vs.
Andre Fili +195
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Rodriguez by second round Knockout
Hank Strandberg: Rodriguez by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Fili by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Fili by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Rodriguez: 1
Staff picking Fili: 2
Iasmin Lucindo -182
Vs.
Angela Hill +157
WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hill by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Lucindo by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Hill by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Lucindo by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Lucindo: 2
Staff picking Hill: 2
Steve Erceg -600
Vs.
Ode Osbourne +425
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Erceg by second round Submission
Hank Strandberg: Erceg by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Erceg by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Erceg by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Erceg: 4
Staff picking Osbourne: 0
Anthony Hernandez -335
Vs.
Roman Dolidze +275
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Dolidze by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Hernandez by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Hernandez by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Hernandez by fourth round Submission
Staff picking Hernandez: 3
Staff picking Dolidze: 1
