After a tremendous event last week in Houston, the UFC returns to Las Vegas and the cozy confines of the APEX, where the smaller cage is used and there is little to no public attendance. Many fighters prefer to compete in front of a raucous crowd while others are more comfortable in a setting that resembles their practice environment, which is quiet. In events from the APEX, announcers and corners are easily heard by fighters and viewers alike.
As a note: Fighters 185 pounds and larger realize a 5% higher finish rate (57%) in the APEX cage since the start of 2020.
From marquee headliners to more obscure, lower-grade fighters we go this week as the main event of Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill is actually a short-notice main event with fighters now having a couple of weeks to prepare for the two extra rounds. The originally scheduled main event of Rafael Fiziev vs. Rafael Dos Anjos had to be postponed because Fiziev had visa issues. That battle of the Rafaels will take place in an upcoming card.
Johnny Walker (+ 200) vs. Jamahal Hill (-240)
Light heavyweight (205 pounds) main event
Tenth-ranked Walker hit the light-heavyweight scene with a striking style that employed flamboyant athletic movement, pronounced power and creativity fueled by an ultra-high confidence that produced impressive finishes.