UFC Vegas 109: Dolidze vs Hernandez card preview & best bets

The UFC is back at the Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 9, for a card headlined by a ranked middleweight clash between Georgian powerhouse Roman Dolidze and surging contender Anthony Hernandez.

The co-main sees former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg looking to snap a losing skid against the explosive Ode’ Osbourne, while ranked strawweight prospect Iasmin Lucindo meets veteran gatekeeper Angela Hill.

Elsewhere on the main card, Christian Rodriguez takes on seasoned featherweight Andre Fili, unbeaten prospect Jean Matsumoto meets Miles Johns in a bantamweight showcase, and dynamic middleweight Christian Leroy Duncan faces rugged vet Eryk Anders in the opener.

Here’s our UFC betting preview and fight-by-fight breakdown with the best bets.

UFC Vegas 109 main card preview

Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez

Roman Dolidze (15-3) comes in on a three-fight win streak, having outpointed Marvin Vettori, capitalized on Kevin Holland’s injury, and boxed up Anthony Smith. At 37, the Georgian remains a dangerous blend of size, physicality, and underrated grappling — though he often prefers to trade leather rather than wrestle. His durability is proven, with no stoppage losses in his career.

Anthony Hernandez (14-2, 1 NC) is one of the UFC’s most relentless grinders, riding a seven-fight win streak. A cardio machine with strong top control and nasty ground-and-pound, “Fluffy” has made a career of breaking opponents over the stretch. His style is built to thrive in five-rounders, provided he can navigate Dolidze’s early power.

While Hernandez is rightly the favorite, Dolidze’s toughness and strength could make this closer than the odds suggest. If the underdog can stuff early takedowns and land kicks at range, he’s live to edge a decision.

Steve Erceg vs Ode’ Osbourne

Former title challenger Steve Erceg (12-4) is desperate to halt a three-fight skid, having faced nothing but elite opposition in Alexandre Pantoja, Kai Kara-France, and Brandon Moreno. The Aussie is at his best when flowing behind combinations and chaining into grappling exchanges, and this three-round co-main should suit him.

Ode’ Osbourne (13-8, 1 NC) snapped his own losing streak with a quick KO of Luis Gurule in April but has struggled for consistency. He’s flashy and creative but often gives opponents the openings they need to take over.

If Erceg starts fast and leans on his wrestling transitions, he has a real chance to control this fight and find the finish.

Iasmin Lucindo vs Angela Hill

At just 23, Iasmin Lucindo (17-6) already holds a top-10 strawweight ranking. She’s a willing pocket striker with improving takedowns, but her last fight — a lopsided loss to Amanda Lemos — showed there’s still a gap at the elite level.

Angela Hill (18-14) continues to defy age at 40, with sharp boxing, excellent cardio, and stubborn takedown defense. She’s built her career frustrating younger opponents in these “prospect vs. vet” matchups, but Lucindo’s pace and ability to mix levels could be the difference here.

Expect a competitive striking battle with Lucindo edging it on activity and control.

Andre Fili vs Christian Rodriguez

Andre Fili (24-12) is a decade-deep UFC veteran with a toolbox full of striking and grappling tricks. He’s coming off a quick submission loss to Melquizael Costa but has the length and experience to trouble any opponent.

Christian Rodriguez (12-3) has proven a specialist in halting unbeaten prospects, using well-rounded skills and sneaky sweeps. Inconsistency has dogged him, but against a fighter like Fili who can be drawn into scrambles, his submission game could shine at great odds with the top online sportsbooks.

Miles Johns vs Jean Matsumoto

Miles Johns (15-3) is a tough, disciplined bantamweight, but his speed disadvantage was clear in his last loss to Felipe Lima. Against a younger, sharper opponent, that could be a fatal flaw.

Jean Matsumoto (16-1) suffered his first career loss in a razor-thin split to Rob Font but proved he belongs at the top level. He carries real knockout power for the weight and has the wrestling to control the fight if needed.

Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan

Eryk Anders (17-8) is a physically imposing vet coming off two straight wins, including a TKO over Chris Weidman. He’s durable and dangerous in the clinch, but at 38, his pace has slowed.

Christian Leroy Duncan (11-2) is a rangy striker with crisp combinations and good movement. While he’s gone the distance in recent outings, his output and accuracy should be enough to bank rounds.

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UFC Vegas 109 prelim picks

Julius Walker vs Rafael Cerqueira

Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama

Joselyne Edwards vs Priscila Cachoeira

Uros Medic vs Gilbert Urbina

Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko

Cody Brundage vs Eric McConico