UFC Vegas 123 Staff Picks: Lightweight Contenders Throw Down

 In the co-main event, welterweight standup specialists Randy Brown and Jacobe Smith clash.    

UFC Vegas 123 Main Event

If it’s one thing that  Moicano has proven over the course of his UFC tenure, it's that he is always down for a good scrap at a moments notice. Whether it is facing young and dangerous adversaries like Benoît Saint Denis, or headlining a numbered company event on less than 24 hours notice, “Money Moicano” will never back down no matter who is standing across from him in the Octagon.

Despite a shocking setback in his promotional debut,  Nolan has remained entirely perfect along his warpath through the 155-lb class. Winner of five back-to-back bouts, a stunning victory at UFC Vegas 123 could be all that “Big Train” needs to thrust himself into top contendership status.

UFC Vegas 123 Co-Main Event

Touting 13 triumphs by knockout or submission,  Brown has demonstrated instances of utter brutality in the cage. Seeking to jump back into the win column with another mind-blowing stoppage, “Rude Boy” is out to end his penultimate match at UFC Vegas 123 inside the distance.

Marching into the organization off the back of a stupendous performance on the Contender Series,  Smith has yet to realize a third round in his stint with the UFC. Ending his last four fights via finish, the undefeated “Cobe” is gearing up to punch his way into the 170-lb rankings this Saturday.

More Bouts On the UFC Vegas 123 Main Card

Rounding out the main card, Ode' Osbourne and Cody Durden throw down. Also, Yana Santos and Luana Santos collide. Finally, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani and Farman Hasanov lock horns.

UFC Vegas 123 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 both pay-per-views and regular events.

• ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.

Find our UFC Vegas 123 picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after UFC 333:

1. Hank Strandberg: 214-106

2. Drew Zuhosky: 166-156

3. Frazer Krohn: 153-126

4. Andrew Benjamin: 29-27

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

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Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani -280

Vs.

Farman Hasanov +232

WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Lebosnoyani by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Lebosnoyani by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Kron: Hasanov by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Lebosnoyani: 2

Staff picking Hasanov: 1

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Luana Santos -310

Vs.

Yana Santos +254

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Luana Santos by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Luana Santos by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Kron: Yana Santos by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Luana Santos: 2

Staff picking Yana Santos: 1

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Cody Durden -110

Vs.

Ode' Osbourne -101

FLYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Durden by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Durden by Second-Round Knockout

Frazer Krohn: Osbourne by First-Round Knockout

Staff picking Durden: 2

Staff picking Osbourne: 1

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Jacobe Smith -265

Vs.

Randy Brown +220

WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Smith by Second Round Knockout

Drew Zuhosky: Smith by Unanimous Decision

Frazer Kron: Smith by First Round Knockout

Staff picking Smith: 3

Staff picking Brown: 0

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Renato Moicano -122

Vs.

Tom Nolan +105

LIGHTWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Moicano by Unanimous Decision

Drew Zuhosky: Nolan by First-Round Knockout

Frazer Kron: Nolan by Unanimous Decision

Staff picking Moicano: 1

Staff picking Nolan: 2