Preview: UFC Fight Night 245 ‘Hernandez vs. Pereira’

Bantamweights
Cameron Smotherman (11-4) vs. Jake Hadley (11-3)
Odds: Smotherman (+350), Hadley (-450)

Has Jake Hadley found his new division? The Englishman was signed by the UFC after a win on the Contender Series in 2021, which was a bit controversial - Hadley both missed weight and apparently had some issues outside of the cage - but he quickly settled in as a solid middle-of-the-road flyweight; he would look dominant against opponents he could effectively bully, but had little answer for when opponents could bully him in return. That latter point made it a bit surprising when he accepted a late notice fight up at bantamweight against Caolan Loughran last July, but Hadley looked sharp at 135 pounds, albeit against one of the stockier bantamweights on the roster. He looks to keep that momentum up here against UFC newcomer Cameron Smotherman, who steps in on a few days’ notice. Smotherman's appearance on the Contender Series last year was a disappointment, as he got knocked out by Charalampos Grigoriou in a minute flat, but he's recovered well in the year and change since, stringing together three straight wins. Smotherman could certainly pick up the win here, as he's a lanky striker that could lure Hadley into a slow-paced fight, but his takedown defense is a clear liability; given the late notice spot, Hadley should be able to apply pressure, get in on some takedowns and generally make this his kind of fight. The pick is Hadley via decision.

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Hernandez vs. Pereira
Font vs. Phillips
Johnson vs. Sumudaerji
Smotherman vs. Hadley
Elkins vs. Pineda
The Prelims