UFC on ESPN 72: Vegas Showdowns, Expert Picks, and Can’t-Miss Fights

UFC on ESPN 72: Fight Picks, Surprises, and Showdowns in Vegas

Las Vegas is buzzing again, and you know what that means — another action-packed Saturday night at the UFC Apex. This week’s card? A tasty mix of knockout artists, tactical veterans, and rising stars ready to throw leather. UFC on ESPN 72 is set to light up ESPN and ESPN+ with a middleweight banger topping the bill, but the fun starts way before the main event.

If you love predictions, insider picks, and a little bit of heated debate, you’re in the right place. We’ve got insight from 11 of MMA Junkie’s editors, writers, radio hosts, and videographers — all breaking down the matchups and calling their shots.

Main Event Heat: Anders vs. Duncan

• Eryk Anders (17-8 MMA, 9-8 UFC)

• Christian Leroy Duncan (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

• Odds: Anders +410, Duncan -590

• Pick tally: Duncan 11, Anders 0

Let’s start with the headliner. Eryk Anders brings veteran grit, heavy hands, and a “never-back-down” mentality. But Christian Leroy Duncan? He’s got that slick footwork and a creative striking game that makes opponents look like they’re chasing shadows. All 11 staff members sided with Duncan, which says a lot about where the momentum lies. Still, Anders is no stranger to upsets — and Vegas loves a surprise finish.

The Bantamweight Battle: Johns vs. Matsumoto

• Miles Johns (15-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC)

• Jean Matsumoto (16-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)

• Odds: Johns +250, Matsumoto -325

• Pick tally: Matsumoto 9, Johns 2

Jean Matsumoto’s lone career loss feels more like a footnote than a flaw. His pace and precision make him a nightmare for most opponents. Johns? He’s durable and dangerous, and he’s got a knack for pulling wins when people count him out. Two brave souls on the panel are betting on exactly that.

Middleweight Clash of Ranked Fighters: Hernandez vs. Dolidze

• Roman Dolidze (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) — Ranked No. 11

• Anthony Hernandez (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) — Ranked No. 10

• Odds: Dolidze +245, Hernandez -320

• Pick tally: Hernandez 11, Dolidze 0

This one’s pure violence with a dash of chess. Hernandez’s relentless pressure and cardio are his weapons, but Dolidze’s power and ground game make him dangerous anywhere. Every single staff member is leaning toward Hernandez, and with 81% of readers agreeing, it’s clear who the public sees taking the W.

Women’s Strawweight Spotlight: Hill vs. Lucindo

• Angela Hill (18-14 MMA, 13-14 UFC) — Ranked No. 13

• Iasmin Lucindo (17-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) — Ranked No. 10

• Odds: Hill +150, Lucindo -185

• Pick tally: Lucindo 9, Hill 2

Angela Hill has been in the Octagon so often she might as well pay rent. But Iasmin Lucindo? She’s the young gun who’s been climbing fast. The rankings put them close, but the betting odds and picks suggest Lucindo’s youth and pace might just edge Hill’s experience. Still, Hill’s upset potential is real.

Featherweight Finesse: Fili vs. Rodriguez

• Andre Fili (24-12 MMA, 12-11 UFC)

• Christian Rodriguez (12-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)

• Odds: Fili +195, Rodriguez -245

• Pick tally: Rodriguez 9, Fili 2

Rodriguez is technical and composed, but Fili’s got veteran savvy and unpredictability on his side. This one might come down to whether Rodriguez can avoid getting lured into a wild exchange.

High Stakes in the Bantamweights: Erceg vs. Osbourne

• Steve Erceg (12-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) — Ranked No. 11 at Flyweight

• Ode Osbourne (13-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC)

• Odds: Erceg -550, Osbourne +390

• Pick tally: Erceg 10, Osbourne 1

Erceg’s dominance at flyweight is translating nicely into bantamweight competition, and most staff believe his momentum will keep rolling. Osbourne’s lone backer? George Garcia, taking the longshot swing.

Staff Standings & Main Card Picks

• Readers (106–66): Hernandez (81%), Erceg (87%), Hill (52%), Rodriguez (64%), Matsumoto (75%), Duncan (74%)

• Mike Bohn (115–63): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Ken Hathaway (113–65): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Nolan King (113–65): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Farah Hannoun (111–67): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Fili, Johns, Duncan

• Abbey Subhan (110–68): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Matt Erickson (109–69): Hernandez, Erceg, Hill, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Brian Garcia (108–70): Hernandez, Erceg, Hill, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Simon Samano (107–71): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Fili, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Danny Segura (105–73): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• Matthew Wells (102–76): Hernandez, Erceg, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Matsumoto, Duncan

• George Garcia (98–80): Hernandez, Osbourne, Lucindo, Rodriguez, Johns, Duncan

Prelim Action You Don’t Want to Skip

While these fights won’t count toward the staff standings, there are plenty of reasons to tune in early:

• Rafael Cerqueira vs. Julius Walker: Walker 9, Cerqueira 2

• Toshiomi Kazama vs. Elijah Smith: Smith 10, Kazama 1

• Priscila Cachoeira vs. Joselyne Edwards: Edwards 10, Cachoeira 1

• Uros Medic vs. Gilbert Urbina: Medic 10, Urbina 1

• Gabriella Fernandes vs. Julija Stoliarenko: Fernandes 11, Stoliarenko 0

• Cody Brundage vs. Eric McConico: Brundage 10, McConico 1

Fights to Watch For Potential Upsets

1. Hill vs. Lucindo — Experience vs. youth. Hill could slow the pace and frustrate the younger fighter.

2. Johns vs. Matsumoto — Matsumoto’s aggressive style leaves openings if Johns can time a counter.

3. Osbourne vs. Erceg — That +390 payout for Osbourne might tempt risk-takers.

Final Word

UFC on ESPN 72 isn’t just about the big names — it’s about style clashes, potential upsets, and fighters on the brink of making a statement. Whether you’re here for Duncan’s flashy striking, Hernandez’s suffocating pressure, or the unpredictability of veterans like Hill and Fili, Saturday night at the UFC Apex is stacked to deliver.

Vegas might have its favorites, but the Octagon has a way of flipping scripts. And if there’s one thing MMA fans know, it’s that you never leave the room early — because that one wild finish could be just seconds away.