UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker kicks off the main card with a flyweight fight between Mitch Raposo and Contender Series graduate Marcos Degli. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Raposo-Degli prediction and pick.
Mitch Raposo (11-3) steps into the Octagon after back-to-back decision wins over Azat Maksum and Allan Nascimento. Those victories followed two split-decision losses to start his UFC run as he comes into his fight this weekend against Marcos Degli.
Marcos Degli (15-3) earned his contract with a second-round submission of Paris Moran on Contender Series. The former LFA champion has won 13 straight and is making his UFC debut as he comes into his fight this weekend against Mitch Raposo.
UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Mitch Raposo-Marcos Degli Odds
Mitch Raposo: +200
Marcos Degli: -245
Over 2.5 rounds: -130
Under 2.5 rounds: +100
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Mitch Raposo Will Win
Mitch Raposo has the UFC experience and wrestling base to frustrate a newcomer. He knows how to survive in the cage and can turn rounds into wall-and-stall battles.
Degli is a heavy hitter, but a debut can bring nerves and mistakes. Raposo can exploit that by changing levels early.
Raposo's recent decision wins show he can grind through close fights. He has also been underestimated before, famously calling out oddsmakers after one underdog win.
If he avoids striking exchanges, Raposo can keep Degli from landing clean power. His wrestling may be enough to steal rounds on top.
The veteran needs a disciplined, point-fighting approach. Expect Raposo to win a close decision by controlling position.
Why Marcos Degli Will Win
Marcos Degli has the sharper striking and heavier hands. His sparring with elite Brazilian strikers has prepared him for fast, dangerous exchanges.
He has also shown a finishing instinct, with a 13-fight winning streak and a Contender Series submission. That combination of power and grappling is hard to prepare for.
Raposo can wrestle, but he struggles when the fight turns into a striking contest. Degli can capitalize on any hesitation with clean counters.
The Brazilian is expected to be calm because he has competed at a high regional level as a champion. That experience should help him adapt to the UFC pace.
Article Continues BelowIf Raposo shoots from too far out, Degli can punish the entry. Expect him to take control and win late.
Final Raposo-Degli Prediction & Pick
Marcos Degli is the best pick because his striking is the most dangerous weapon in the matchup. He also has momentum, with 13 straight wins and a strong Contender Series showing.
Raposo's wrestling can make the fight messy. If he lands clean entries, he can steal rounds and frustrate the debutant.
Degli should stay patient and rely on defense and counters. His power should discourage Raposo from shooting without setup.
Expect the Brazilian to land the better shots and finish the fight with a submission or late knockout. The fight may be competitive early, but Degli's class should show.
Final Mitch Raposo-Marcos Degli Prediction & Pick: Marcos Degli (-245), UNDER 2.5 rounds (+100)