UFC Vegas 99’s cornerstone promises to serve a captivating vista of middleweight action, being the 99th spectacle showcased at the UFC APEX facility. The center stage finding its gravitas in the head-to-head collision of two middleweight stalwarts, Anthony Hernandez, currently 13th in the rankings, and Michel Pereira, securing the 14th slot.
The excitement doesn’t stop here, as the co-main event pits bantamweights Rob Font and Kyler Phillips against each other, adding another layer of anticipation to the proceedings. The showcase not only serves as a source of exhilaration for fans but also paves the path for fighters to secure a handsome purse.
Let’s take a small journey back in memory lane: Anthony Hernandez added a cool $132,000 in his bank account following his triumph over Roman Kopylov at UFC 298. Michel Pereira, too, locked $200,000 post his glory at UFC 301, and it’s anticipated that he’d bag a comparable amount at UFC Vegas 99.
Rob Font, on the other hand, banked his heftiest paycheck of $180,000 when he stepped into the octagon with Marlon Moraes at UFC Fight Night Vegas 17: Thompson vs Neal. However, a similar payout will only materialize if he succeeds in clinching victory at the upcoming event.
Kyler Phillips, stepping onto the grand stage, can anticipate pocketing a base pay of around $140,000, whereas Charles Johnson is destined to welcome approximately $100,000 for his participation. Earnings of the fighters, though significant, are not limited to these figures alone.
A unique aspect of these UFC fights comprises perks called performance and fight bonuses. Fighters who outperform their competitors not only garner accolades but stand a chance to boost their monetary rewards by an extra $50,000 – an incentive that renders the fights even more exciting.
The primary card of the event is packed with some gripping battles, with the crown jewel being the middleweight tussle between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira. Next, we’ll see bantamweights Rob Font and Kyler Phillips taking the center stage, followed by a flyweight match featuring Charles Johnson and Sumudaerji.
Other octagon battles include a bantamweight duel between Brady Hiestand and Jake Hadley, a featherweight face-off between Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda, and finally, a flyweight ruckus where Matheus Nicolau will cross paths with Asu Almabayev.
On the flip side, the preliminary card tends more to bantamweight and women weight categories. Brad Katona will meet Jean Matsumoto in what promises to be an exciting bantamweight skirmish. For the women’s bantamweight, Joselyne Edwards and Tamires Vidal are all set to lock horns and captivate the audience.
Continuing with the women’s division, we have an intriguing strawweight competition between Jessica Penne and Elise Reed. Likewise, the strawweight category will also see Melissa Martinez challenge Alice Ardelean, generating further curiosity among the fight enthusiasts.
As we reach the end of the preliminary card, another fight earmarked for fans include a high-octane heavyweight encounter where Austen Lane will square off against Robelis Despaigne. This bout further diversifies the offering, catering to fans of all weight classes.
Zooming back to our middleweight front-liners, Anthony Hernandez holds a track record replete with 12 victories, 2 hits, and one fight drawn as a ‘no-contest’. Conversely, Michel Pereira touts a more extensive record, with 31 wins under his belt, 11 losses, and 2 ‘no-contest’ verdicts.
The face-off between Hernandez and Pereira is shaping up to be an electrifying number for the middleweight category. The stakes are high, with each fighter bringing not only their skill but an unyielding desire to win to the octagon, further fueling their aspirations to ascend the division rankings.
This UFC showcase lays down a unique intersection of die-hard fan passion, thrilling in-ring actions, handsome paychecks, and an intense, competitive spirit. It’s not just about the physical battles being waged in the ring but also the fights against personal records, winnings, and rankings each warrior seeks to overcome.
As these fighters step into the octagon, cheers from the bleachers, hearts beating in anticipation, and the fervor of the match itself, a unique commotion unfolds. Either way, the fans are in for a treat, and the fighters are poised for a battle that could be a pivotal moment in their careers.
The clock is ticking, and the excitement is mounting as we approach the weekend. UFC Vegas 99, held at the revered APEX facility, has all the right ingredients to stir up a storm amongst fans and fighters alike. Without a doubt, it’s an event to clear your schedule for.