Top Five Matchups to Watch Following UFC Vegas 124

The recent UFC Vegas 124 event showcased a thrilling heavyweight main event, highlighted by dominant performances from Tatiana Suarez and a swift, minute-long knockout that has shaken up the bantamweight division. Johnny Walker continues to impress in his move to heavyweight.

Potential Matchups for Johnny Walker

Walker appears to have found his footing at heavyweight, having recorded consecutive finishes over Mick Parkin and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. With these victories, he deserves a higher-profile fight.

A matchup against the loser of the upcoming clash between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich would be fitting. Pereira, a former champion across two divisions, and Pavlovich, known for his knockout power, both present enticing opportunities for Walker.

Walker has long been seen as unpredictable, but his recent performances suggest he is finally solidifying his skills. Scheduling him against the aftermath of Pereira and Pavlovich would allow for a clear evaluation of his advancements in the octagon.

Tatiana Suarez vs. Mackenzie Dern: A Grappling Showdown

Tatiana Suarez’s recent victory over Virna Jandiroba showcased her exceptional wrestling abilities, reinforcing her status as a formidable contender in the strawweight division. Her success has led to an unavailability of prospective opponents.

A suggested matchup against Mackenzie Dern would present a fascinating contrast of skills—Suarez’s wrestling acumen versus Dern’s dangerous jiu-jitsu. Both fighters are unlikely to yield any ground, thereby promising an intriguing contest.

Elijah Smith vs. Brady Hiestand on the Horizon

Elijah Smith made a significant impact at the event, finishing Davey Grant in just 60 seconds. At 24 years old, his undefeated streak of four bouts in the UFC has garnered attention in the bantamweight category.

A bout with Brady Hiestand would be a logical next step, given Hiestand’s resilience against tough competitors. This matchup would serve as a vital test for Smith’s continuing ascent without exposing him to a top-tier contender prematurely.

Lucas Fernando vs. Julius Walker: A Bid for Stability

Lucas Fernando maintained his momentum by defeating Billy Elekana, improving his UFC record to 2-0. His ability to remain composed throughout three rounds earned him the decision victory.

Facing Julius Walker could be a prudent choice for Fernando. Walker is also seeking stability in the light heavyweight category, thus establishing an opportunity for both fighters to prove their worth in the division.

Nina Milosevic vs. Alice Pereira: Rising Stars Collide

Nina Milosevic demonstrated her prowess by stopping Priscila Cachoeira, marking her second consecutive win in the UFC and a remarkable ten-fight winning streak overall. Her strong performances indicate it’s time for a challenging fight.

Matching her against Alice Pereira, another promising bantamweight, would provide vital insight into both fighters’ readiness for the next level in competition. While Milosevic has momentum, Pereira could emerge as a formidable contender.

Final Thoughts: Pereira vs. Walker

The prospect of a fight between Alex Pereira and Johnny Walker stands out as one of the most anticipated matchups. Despite the odds favoring Pereira, Walker’s unpredictable and creative fighting style makes him a wildcard, capable of delivering surprising results.

Walker’s potential to deliver a standout performance adds an element of excitement to the bout that is worth keeping an eye on—after all, in this sport, one moment can change everything.