UFC Vegas 60 Predictions, Odds and Results: Sandhagen vs Song
UFC Vegas 60: Pintsized Background
After the disaster that was UFC 279, it sure is pleasant to watch only one weigh-in horror show for UFC Vegas 60. We lose Aspen Ladd vs Sara McMann due to Ladd’s consistent failure to make 135lbs, but there’s a sprinkling of saucy fights throughout Saturday’s fun. In the main event, Sandhagen and Song lock horns in a wonderfully intriguing top-end Bantamweight scrap. Meanwhile, Andre Fili and Bill Algeo float on the main card as a sleeper FOTN – bombs will be dropped.
As UFC Vegas 60’s featured preliminary, Damon Jackson and Pat Sabatini seem destined to test each other’s grappling chops for the full fifteen minutes. Further down the card, hit-or-miss Mariya Agapova has been given little backing by the bookies against an all-too-often one-note Gillian Robertson.
Where/When is UFC Vegas 60 taking place:
September 17, 2022. UFC Apex. Nevada, United States.
What time does UFC Vegas 60 start:
🇬🇧 UK: 9pm / 🇺🇸 US ET: 4pm
What channel is UFC Vegas 60 on:
🇬🇧 UK: BT Sports / 🇺🇸 US: ESPN+
Pintsized MMA content from the week before:
🚀 Preview: UFC 279 Predictions, Odds and Results: Diaz vs Ferguson
💰 PI’s Recommended Fight: Johnny Walker vs Ion Cutelaba
Travel down the Pintsized rabbit hole:
🥊 UFC Vegas 60 Main Card | 🌟 UFC Vegas 60 Prelims | 📺 YouTube
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UFC Vegas 60 Picks & Odds
| UFC Vegas 60 Fights & Odds | Winner | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Sandhagen (-205) Yadong Song (+175) | Sandhagen | Decision | / |
| Chidi Njokuani (-130) Gregory Rodrigues (+110) | Rodrigues | Submission | 2 |
| Andre Fili (-125) Bill Algeo (+105) | Fili | Decision | / |
| Alen Amedovski (+400) Joseph Pyfer (-500) | Pyfer | Submission | 1 |
| Tanner Boser (-180) Rodrigo Nascimento (+155) | Boser | Decision | / |
| Anthony Hernandez (-210) Marc-Andre Barriault (+180) | Hernandez | Decision | / |
| Damon Jackson (+165) Pat Sabatini (-195) | Sabatini | Decision | / |
| Trevin Giles (-210) Louis Cosce (+180) | Cosce | Decision | / |
| Loma Lookboomee (-195) Denise Gomes (+165) | Lookboonme | Decision | / |
| Trey Ogden (+320) Daniel Zellhuber (-390) | Zellhuber | Decision | / |
| Mariya Agapova (+130) Gillian Robertson (-150) | Agapova | TKO | 1 |
| Tony Gravely (+145) Javid Basharat (-170) | Gravely | Decision | / |
| Nikolas Motta (-165) Cameron VanCamp (+140) | Motta | TKO | 1 |
UFC Vegas 60: Main Event
Cory Sandhagen vs Yadong Song
Bantamweight (135)
Cory Sandhagen (14-4)
The Sandman may well be sitting on a 2-fight slide, but there is an argument that Sandhagen pipped both T.J. Dillashaw and Petr Yan. Against the former, Sandhagen uncharacteristically fought a smart, educated game off the back foot. For the latter, Sandhagen incorporated his bread-and-butter again, thriving in the pocket with fast, evasive combinations.
Song’s newfound power may initially be seen as an issue, but Sandhagen’s masterful control over heavier hitter, John Linekar, cannot be overlooked. In addition, Song prefers to plant his feet and sit into his combinations, offering ample opportunity for Sandhagen to escape laterally. The major question mark hovers over Sandhagen’s ability to keep himself standing against Song. It is very difficult to take Sandhagen down, yet as seen against Dillashaw, once on the mat Sandhagen can be controlled for significant periods of time.
Yadong Song (19-6-1)
Kung Fu Kid is a fantastically well-rounded fighter, but there haven’t been many signs that he will be able to stamp his identity against an elite operator. Song’s striking has taken great strides over recent fights, building combinations as he gains momentum across the course of the fight. It’s unlikely that Song’s striking is at the level that it can deal with the constant variations and adaptations that Sandhagen creates over twenty-five minutes.
Sandhagen is not capable of pushing a hard pace for the entirety of a fight. There is a possibility that Song can out-gun Sandhagen in trades, pushing a far higher volume than the American is capable of. Song has a quality chin but with Sandhagen’s keen eye for the body, Kung Fu Kid’s mettle will be tested very deep into the fight.
Sandhagen vs Song Prediction: Sandhagen Decision
Kung Fu Kid is a fantastically well-rounded fighter, but there haven’t been many signs that he will be able to stamp his identity against an elite operator. Song prefers to plant his feet and sit into his combinations, offering ample opportunity for Sandhagen to escape laterally. Even with Song’s newfound power, it is difficult to look past Sandhagen’s masterful striking clinic against the heavier-handed, John Linekar.
One area of concern is Sandhagen’s pedestrian pace at times. There is a possibility that Song can out-gun Sandhagen in trades, pushing a far higher volume than the American is capable of. Still, with Song’s wrestling unlikely to factor much into the equation, Sandhagen’s constant adaptations on the feet have to be favoured over the five rounds.
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UFC Vegas 60: Co-Main Event
Chidi Njokuani vs Gregory Rodrigues
Middleweight (185)
Chidi Njokuani (22-7)
Fair play to Njokuani, he looked phenomenal against Dusko Todorovic. Back-to-back first-round stoppages haven’t quite gained Bang Bang the attraction you’d expect, but a co-main highlight reel will go some way to solving that. Robocop could make this a relatively simple affair if he steadfastly pursues a ground battle, but the Brazilian has regularly matched his opponent’s preferred fight during his time at the UFC. In a slug-fest, Njoukuani’s power offers a level of danger that Rodrigues may come to rue.
Gregory Rodrigues (12-4)
A fantastic wrestler, Njokuani will struggle massively if Robocop shoots for the hips. As the fight is most likely to be a war on the feet, Rodrigues cannot be written off as a slouch. The Brazilian throws short, intelligent combinations which will keep Njokuani pinned on the back foot. Whether Bang Bang can slip and find the perfect one-shot counter, is what much of the fight rests upon.
Njokuani vs Rodrigues Prediction: Rodrigues Submission Round 2
A fantastic wrestler, Njokuani will struggle massively if Robocop shoots for the hips. Interestingly for fans, the Brazilian has regularly matched his opponent’s preferred fight during his time at the UFC. Although Njokuani carries frightening power, much of the fight rests upon whether Bang Bang can slip and find the perfect one-shot counter. Backing Robocop’s short, intelligent combinations to keep Njokuani on the back foot before finding the finish on the mat.
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UFC Vegas 60 Main Card
Andre Fili vs Bill Algeo
Featherweight (145)
Andre Fili (21-9)
Watching Touchy Fili crumple against Joanderson Brito was a sad state of affairs. Has Fili’s chin gone? Will there be mental scars? It’s late in the day for Fili’s career, but he has built his career on scrappiness and durability – it would be best to respect that Fili can bounce back immediately. Add in that Algeo’s finishes largely stem from exhausted opponents late down the stretch, there shouldn’t be another flash KO for Fili.
Bill Algeo (16-6)
Can Bill Algeo handle himself at range against Fili? Algeo looks to wade into the pocket and create chaos up-close. This could be three rounds of Fili jabbing the head of Senor Perfecto. Add in Fili’s solid TDD against top UFC names, Algeo could find himself in bad positions if he falls into panic wrestling.
Fili vs Algeo Prediction: Fili Decision
Can Bill Algeo handle himself at range against Fili? Algeo looks to wade into the pocket and create chaos up-close. This very well could be three rounds of Fili jabbing the head of Senor Perfecto. Add in Fili’s solid TDD against top UFC names, Algeo could find himself in bad positions if he falls into panic wrestling. Still, Fili is coming off of a shocking 45-second icing to Joanderson Brito which may carry over some mental hangover.
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Alen Amedovski vs Joseph Pyfer
Middleweight (185)
Alen Amedovski (8-3)
How is Alen Amedovski still in the UFC? Signed by the UFC as a first-round murder machine, the Macedonian lost his ideal game in a fifteen-second brawl with John Phillips. Cue a three-year gap that ended in just over a minute against Joseph Holmes. Amedovski carries heavy hands but doesn’t use them particularly wisely, whilst there are huge holes in his defensive wrestling.
Joseph Pyfer (9-2)
DWCS prospect, Joseph Pyfer, will have a relatively straightforward fight to work. Pyfer’s powerful wrestling base offers a direct route to victory, but we could also see the American opt to pick holes at range. A fun introduction, regardless, for an interesting Middleweight prospect.
Amedovski vs Pyfer Prediction: Pyfer Submission Round 1
Amedovski carries heavy hands but doesn’t use them particularly wisely, whilst there are huge holes in his defensive wrestling. Pyfer’s powerful wrestling base offers a direct route to victory, but we could also see the American opt to replicate his crushing DWCS KO. A fun introduction, regardless, for an interesting Middleweight prospect.
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Tanner Boser vs Rodrigo Nascimento
Heavyweight (265)
Tanner Boser (20-8-1)
It feels like far longer than a year since we saw the mullet-totin, maple syrup-drinkin, Tanner Boser. While not a stellar performance by any account, Boser still returned to the W column against OSP with a fine finish. Nascimento is unlikely to be put away early, but the Brazilian’s immobility plays into Boser’s fleet feet and darting combinations.
Rodrigo Nascimento (8-1)
Nascimento is a physical specimen that could punish Boser if he backs himself onto the cage. Boser’s speed will regularly pip Nascimento to the punch, but it will only take the one trademark right-hook counter to change momentum. If Nascimento bundles his way to top control, the Brazilian owns a surprising submission arsenal.
Boser vs Nascimento Prediction: Boser Decision
Nascimento is unlikely to be put away early, but the Brazilian’s immobility plays into Boser’s fleet feet and darting combinations. This is Heavyweight, however, and it will only take one of Nascimento’s trademark right-hook counters to change momentum. Add in the Brazilian’s sneakily diverse submission arsenal, and the safety of backing Boser lies on shaky ground.
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Anthony Hernandez vs Marc-Andre Barriault
Middleweight (185)
Anthony Hernandez (9-2)
Solid in all departments, Hernandez tends to survive long enough in fights to break opponents with pressure. Flying into combinations, Hernandez creates regular opportunities through aggression. Barriault is dangerous in the clinch and freakishly durable, but it feels like better technical fundamentals are required to sleep Hernandez on the counter.
Marc-Andre Barriault (14-5)
Njokuani-aside, Barriault is an unbreakable brute who comes on strong late by virtue of grit. Hernandez tends to lose against stronger grapplers, an area that Barraiult has succeeded in the past but against humble opposition. Losing scraps to Jun Yong Park and Andrew Sanchez leads me to believe a similarly messy affair will deliver an L once again.
Hernandez vs Barriault Prediction: Hernandez Decision
Njokuani-aside, Barriault is an unbreakable brute who comes on strong late by virtue of grit. Hernandez tends to lose against stronger grapplers, an area that Barraiult has succeeded in the past but against humble opposition. Hernandez’s aggression creates regular opportunities in an ugly affair that Barriault likely lacks the fundamentals to punish Hernandez.
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UFC Vegas 60: Preliminary Card
Damon Jackson vs Pat Sabatini
Featherweight (145)
Damon Jackson (21-4-1)
A banging featured prelim between two ‘experienced prospects’ – if you can get your head around that conundrum! Jackson is a scary submission threat anywhere on the mat, but Sabatini is all about control. This creates the scenario where Jackson cannot be written off at any point, but Sabatini is willing to swallow crowd boos to snatch rounds.
Pat Sabatini (17-3)
Can Sabatini punish Jackson’s scrambles? If neither man can mix in their wrestling, Sabatini will likely unravel under the aggression against Jackson. Not to say that Action Jackson is a polished striker, but his size and aggression will influence the timid boxing of Sabatini.
Jackson vs Sabatini Prediction: Sabatini Decision
A banging featured prelim between two ‘experienced prospects’. Jackson is a scary submission threat anywhere on the mat, but Sabatini is all about control. This creates the scenario where Jackson cannot be written off at any point, but Sabatini is willing to swallow crowd boos to snatch rounds. On the feet, Jackson’s size and aggression will overawe Sabatini, but it’s unlikely either opts to stand up for long.
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Trevin Giles vs Louis Cosce
Welterweight (170)
Trevin Giles (14-4)
Giles’ move down to Welterweight involved a first-round crushing at the hands of Michael Morales. Never the most technically polished Middleweight, it remains a questionable move to trade an unbridgeable technical gap for a slight athletic advantage. Cosce has yet to beat an opponent anywhere near the quality of Giles, with the latter’s consistent gas tank a huge plus in the match-up.
Louis Cosce (7-1)
To be fair to Cosce, he threw everything and the kitchen sink for the finish against Sasha Palatnikov which left him drained. On the flip side, Cosce lost to Palatnikov – a dreadful mark on any prospect’s career. A competent striker, certainly smart enough to take apart a stationary Giles, alongside solid wrestling chops. How much has Cosce improved over the last couple of years on the sidelines – has his conditioning/decision-making improved?
Giles vs Cosce Prediction: Cosce Decision
Cosce is a competent striker, certainly smart enough to take apart a stationary Giles, alongside owning solid wrestling chops. There is still the terrible black mark of a Sasha Palatnikov loss on his record, however. How much has Cosce improved over the last couple of years on the sidelines – has his conditioning/decision-making improved? If even a smidge improvement, it’s hard to back the Welterweight-version of Giles.
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Loma Lookboonmee vs Denise Gomes
Women’s Strawweight (115)
Loma Lookboonmee (6-3)
A small bump against Lupita Godinez, but it was as difficult a stylistic match-up as could be expected. Lookboonmee is only twenty-six but fights with an experience that belies her short career. Lookboonmee knows how to lead fights on the front foot, capable of maintaining pressure against solid opposition such as Jinh Yu Frey.
Denise Gomes (6-1)
A big call-up for DWCS victor, Denise Gomes, who will be facing a huge jump in competition quality. Gomes pumped out a huge volume on the DWCS, yet there is a scrappiness to the striking that can only be ironed out with minutes in the octagon. Without the size to bully Lookboonmee, or the wrestling quality to threaten takedowns, this could be a long night at the office.
Lookboonmee vs Gomes Prediction: Lookboonmee Decision
Gomes pumped out a huge volume on the DWCS, yet there is a scrappiness to the striking that can only be ironed out with minutes in the octagon. Without the size to bully Lookboonmee, or the wrestling quality to threaten takedowns, this could be a long night at the office.
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Trey Ogden vs Daniel Zellhuber
Lightweight (155)
Trey Ogden (15-5)
Samurai Ghost is a solid enough litmus paper test for entry to the UFC. A functional striker with a string of submissions, Ogden offers a technical test. Athletically, Ogden’s ceiling is restricted, but he will poke holes in Zellhuber’s defence.
Daniel Zellhuber (12-0)
An undefeated record is hard to believe for a fighter who leaves himself open for so much punishment. Aggression, varied striking and a lethal finisher – dynamism underlines every area of Zellhuber’s game. There need to be several defensive layers added to the Mexican’s striking, but he is young and extremely durable.
Ogden vs Zellhuber Prediction: Zellhuber Decision
Aggression, varied striking and a lethal finisher – dynamism underlines every area of Zellhuber’s game. There need to be several defensive layers added to the Mexican’s striking, but he is young and extremely durable. Meanwhile, Ogden was unable to crack Leavitt on the feet.
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Mariya Agapova vs Gillian Robertson
Women’s Flyweight (125)
Mariya Agapova (10-3)
Imma be honest, I enjoy watching Mariya Agapova fight. Any version of the Kazakh fighter could rock up on Saturday, but we’re best to hope for the mature, range striker who pieced apart Sabina Mazo. Agapova struggles when opponents lead with a hard pace, but with Robertson’s pedestrian striking, Agapova will have ample time to set traps and punishing counters.
Gillian Robertson (10-7)
Any long-time fans of Pintsized will know that Robertson is one of my favourite unranked fighters. The Canadian will struggle to handle Agapova’s ferocious early aggression but has long proven her ability to dig deep and find hail marys late into fights. It usually tends to be a submission off her back, however, an area that Agapova is certainly insane enough to chase.
Agapova vs Robertson Prediction: Agapova TKO Round 1
The Canadian will struggle to handle Agapova’s ferocious early aggression but has long proven her ability to dig deep and find hail marys late into fights. It usually tends to be a submission off her back, however, and it is certainly an area that Agapova is insane enough to chase. A tough call to back one of the least consistent fighters in the organisation, but hey ho.
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Tony Gravely vs Javid Basharat
Bantamweight (135)
Tony Gravely (23-7)
Gravely would have excelled in the UFC a decade ago. Fitting the prototype of a powerful wrestle-boxer, the American looked far more composed on the feet against Johnny Munoz Jr. Against a chain-wrestler, Basharat’s well-extended lead leg seems primed for takedowns. Still, Gravely does stick his head in awful positions – an area that even Basharat could exploit.
Javid Basharat (12-0)
Mr McGregor 2.0. Basharat impressed on his UFC debut against Trevin Giles – excelling with a string of feints and slick footwork. Basharat’s ability to strike on the move will leave Gravely chasing the fight. If Gravely is forced to wrestle, however, we’re yet to see the Afghan’s defence against a control wrestler of Gravely’s quality.
Gravely vs Basharat Prediction: Gravely Decision
One worry is Gravely’s recent love affair with his hands. Basharat’s ability to strike on the move will leave Gravely chasing the fight. If Gravely accepts he needs to wrestle, he can chain-takedowns together and target Basharat’s well-extended lead leg. Still, Gravely does stick his head in awful positions – an area that even Basharat could exploit.
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Nikolas Motta vs Cameron VanCamp
Lightweight (155)
Nikolas Motta (12-4)
Losing to Jim Miller, even in 2022, isn’t that big a deal. The Brazilian creates enjoyable scraps as he thrives in the pocket, counter-striking with power. Without the chin to afford to plant his feet throughout, Motta will struggle to climb the ladder, but he will be fun to watch.
Cameron VanCamp (15-6-1)
As seen against Miller, VanCamp has to focus on weaving in leg kicks. Despite all the flaws in his striking, VanCamp is a big physical unit and capable of landing firepower. Once he lands, however, VanCamp tends to unravel in pursuit of pushing his advantage again.
Motta vs VanCamp Prediction: Motta TKO Round 1
As seen against Miller, VanCamp has to focus on weaving in leg kicks. Despite all the flaws in his striking, VanCamp is a big physical unit and capable of landing firepower. Once he lands, however, VanCamp tends to unravel in pursuit of pushing his advantage again. Against Motta’s permanently planted feet, VanCamp will walk onto a brutal counter.
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