UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker continues on the main card with a bantamweight fight between veteran Davey Grant and rising prospect Elijah Smith. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Grant-Smith prediction and pick.
Davey Grant (18-8) steps into the Octagon after a unanimous decision over Adrian Luna Martinetti in April, extending his run to three wins in his last four fights. The 40-year-old suffered his lone recent loss to Charles Jourdain, as he comes into his fight this weekend against Elijah Smith.
Elijah Smith (10-1) is 3-0 in the UFC after submitting SuYoung You in the second round and slamming Toshiomi Kazama for a knockout. The 24-year-old has won eight straight overall as he comes into his fight this weekend against Davey Grant.
UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Davey Grant-Elijah Smith Odds
Davey Grant: +250
Elijah Smith: -310
Over 2.5 rounds: -110
Under 2.5 rounds: -120
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Davey Grant Will Win
Davey Grant has the experience to make this a rugged test for a young prospect. He has competed in 17 UFC fights and rarely folds when the pace becomes uncomfortable.
Grant's volume and pressure can force Smith to defend for long stretches. That matters because younger fighters often struggle when a veteran refuses to break.
The Englishman has also shown he can adapt against younger opposition, including a Fight of the Night effort against Adrian Luna Martinetti. He knows how to survive early danger and win rounds late.
If Smith overcommits to a big shot or slam, Grant can counter and punish the opening. His durability could make Smith second-guess his explosiveness.
Grant's best route is to keep the fight standing, mix punches to the body, and make Smith carry his weight. Expect a gritty decision if the veteran avoids the early wrestling.
Why Elijah Smith Will Win
Elijah Smith has the athleticism, power, and wrestling to dictate this bantamweight matchup. He is younger, quicker, and more explosive than Davey Grant at this stage.
Smith's recent finishes show he can win in multiple ways. The slam knockout of Toshiomi Kazama and the submission of SuYoung You highlight a well-rounded game.
Grant's volume can be effective, but Smith's power makes exchanges risky. If the prospect times a counter, the veteran may not have the same recovery tools he once had.
Smith can also use takedowns to avoid the pace Grant prefers. Once on top, he can land short strikes and force the Englishman to work from the bottom.
Article Continues BelowThe prospect should stay composed and not rush the finish. Expect Smith to establish his wrestling, wear down Grant, and score a second-round stoppage.
Final Grant-Smith Prediction & Pick
Elijah Smith has the physical edge, the better power, and a faster pace. Grant remains tough, but his experience may not be enough against a young fighter with this much athleticism.
The main danger for Smith is falling into a long striking exchange with a pressure fighter. Grant's volume and toughness can steal rounds if Smith loses patience.
Smith's wrestling gives him a cleaner path. He can mix takedown threats with punches and keep Grant from settling into his rhythm.
A finish looks likelier than a long decision because Smith has proven finishing instincts and Grant has been vulnerable to sharp striking. Expect Smith to land the cleaner shots, pressure the veteran, and stop him late.
Final Davey Grant-Elijah Smith Prediction & Pick: Elijah Smith (-310), UNDER 2.5 rounds (-120)