UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker kicks off the prelims with a welterweight fight between Jonny Parsons and Brazilian prospect Jose Souza. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Parsons-Souza prediction and pick.

Jonny Parsons (9-3) steps into the Octagon after more than three years away, with his last fight a late second-round finish of Danny Roberts in July 2023. The Contender Series alum is returning from a long layoff as he comes into his fight this weekend against Jose Souza.

Jose Souza (9-1) recently won a split decision over Ding Meng in his UFC debut in May. The 24-year-old prospect was criticized for admiring his work instead of finishing as he comes into his fight this weekend against Jonny Parsons.

UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings

UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Jonny Parsons-Jose Souza Odds

Jonny Parsons: +185

Jose Souza: -225

Over 2.5 rounds: +114

Under 2.5 rounds: -145

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Why Jonny Parsons Will Win

Jonny Parsons has the veteran composure and finishing instincts to surprise a younger opponent. His knee work and counterstriking can be effective if he stays calm.

Souza's debut was a split decision where he seemed content to cruise. Parsons can exploit that passivity by pushing the pace and winning rounds.

Parsons also has a Contender Series win and a UFC finish over Danny Roberts. That shows he can handle pressure and capitalize on openings.

The long layoff is a risk, but it may have given him time to heal and sharpen his skills. If he starts fast, he can control the center.

Parsons should keep Souza from using his reach and avoid giving him time to think. Expect him to win with a late stoppage or sharp decision.

Why Jose Souza Will Win

Jose Souza has the youth, reach, and activity advantage. He stands with a significant reach edge, which should help him control range.

Parsons has been out for over three years, and ring rust can destroy timing. Souza can take advantage of any slowness.

The Brazilian is also physically stronger and has already adjusted to the UFC once. His debut win, though close, showed he can survive judges.

If Souza uses his jab and teeps, Parsons will struggle to close distance. Long strikes can also help him avoid a clinch battle.

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He should be more aggressive than he was against Ding Meng. Expect Souza to win a decision or a mid-fight stoppage by staying at range.

Final Parsons-Souza Prediction & Pick

Jose Souza is the pick because of his reach, activity, and Parsons' long absence. A three-year layoff is hard to overcome, even for a skilled veteran.

Parsons has enough tools to make this competitive. His knees and counters are dangerous, and he can steal rounds if Souza becomes complacent.

Souza's passiveness is the main issue, since it could cost him against a live opponent. He needs to be disciplined, active, and willing to throw more.

If he does, he should control distance and keep Parsons from establishing a rhythm. Expect Souza to win clearly on the scorecards, with a stoppage possible if Parsons fades.

Final Jonny Parsons-Jose Souza Prediction & Pick: Jose Souza (-225), UNDER 2.5 rounds (-145)