UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker continues on the prelims with a featherweight fight between Austin Bashi and Carlos Calderon. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Bashi-Calderon prediction and pick.
Austin Bashi (14-2) steps into the Octagon after a unanimous decision loss to Jose Delgado in July. That defeat followed a first-round rear-naked choke of John Yannis, as he comes into his fight this weekend against Carlos Calderon.
Carlos Calderon (11-4, 1 NC) is the Fury FC featherweight champion and enters on a three-fight winning streak. He submitted Damon Jackson in May and defended the belt against Lorram Esteves in October, as he comes into his fight this weekend against Austin Bashi.
UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Austin Bashi-Carlos Calderon Odds
Austin Bashi: -535
Carlos Calderon: +400
Over 2.5 Rounds: +160
Under 2.5 Rounds: -210
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Austin Bashi Will Win
Austin Bashi has the UFC experience and wrestling base to control a short-notice debutant. His 14-2 record and Contender Series pedigree show he belongs.
Calderon accepted the fight on four days' notice, which creates a major disadvantage. Even with a champion's credentials, camp preparation matters.
Bashi is well-rounded, with strong scrambling and a high pace. He can mix takedowns with steady offense and make Calderon work.
The Michigan native also has six submission wins, which gives him a way to finish if the fight hits the mat. That threat can force Calderon into mistakes.
Bashi should avoid reckless exchanges and keep pressure on. Expect him to win a decision or submission by wearing down the newcomer.
Why Carlos Calderon Will Win
Carlos Calderon has the momentum of a champion and the confidence of a three-fight winning streak. His 73 percent finishing rate gives him dangerous upside.
Bashi has lost two of three UFC fights, so there is real doubt about his consistency. Calderon can exploit that hesitation.
The Fury FC titleholder also has strong submission skills, with six wins by tap. If he gets Bashi's back, he can end the fight.
Short notice may be an advantage because he is already active and has no weight-cut pressure. He fought just last month, so he should be in condition.
Article Continues BelowCalderon should focus on taking away Bashi's takedowns and forcing awkward scrambles. Expect him to pull an upset with a submission.
Final Bashi-Calderon Prediction & Pick
Austin Bashi is the pick because he has UFC experience, a full camp, and a favorable stylistic matchup. Calderon is dangerous, but a four-day turnaround is a significant obstacle.
Bashi's main weakness is that his UFC form has been inconsistent. He can lose rounds if he lets Calderon dictate the pace or fights too cautiously.
Calderon's submission game is the biggest threat to the favorite. Bashi must avoid long scrambles and focus on controlling position.
Expect Bashi to establish wrestling early, take control of the pace, and win with a late submission or a decision.
Final Austin Bashi-Carlos Calderon Prediction & Pick: Austin Bashi (-500), UNDER 2.5 Rounds (-210)