Song Yadong vs Ricky Simon Fight Prediction & Best Bets for UFC Vegas 72: Expect a Close-Fought Main Event

The UFC returns to the Apex for the second time in as many weeks as UFC Vegas 72 is scheduled for Saturday, April 29. The main event of the night is an exciting bantamweight clash between Song Yadong (19-7-1, 1NC) and former LFA Bantamweight Champion Ricky Simon (20-3).

Song vs Simon bringing the HEAT ?@SongYadongLFG and @RickySimonUFC headlining #UFCVegas72 this Saturday! pic.twitter.com/FjhAuNrAzM

— UFC (@ufc) April 24, 2023

Both fighters hope that a victory can change their positioning when it comes to the bantamweight rankings. Song heads into Sin City as the No. 8 bantamweight while Simon isn’t too far behind as the No. 10-ranked fighter in the division. Neither man has challenged for the gold before, making this a pivotal moment in their respective careers.

While Song vs Simon will be fun to watch, there are several betting opportunities out there that can add to the excitement. Fortunately, your friends at Betting News have everything you need ahead of the UFC Vegas 72 main event, including the latest odds, a prediction, and the best bet(s) to make this weekend.

Song vs Simon— Tale of the Tape

Song Yadong — Ricky Simon

• Record: 19-7-1, 1NC — 20-3
• Height: 5’8” — 5’6”
• Reach: 67” — 69”
• Weight: 257lbs — 265lbs
• Age: 25 — 30
• Fighting Stance: Orthodox — Orthodox
• Knockouts: 8 — 6

UFC Vegas 72: Song vs Simon Fight Odds (as of Tuesday, April 25)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Song Yadong +102
• Ricky Simon -130

Bovada Sportsbook

• Song Yadong -105
• Ricky Simon -115

BetUS

• Song Yadong +100
• Ricky Simon -124

BetMGM

• Song Yadong +100
• Ricky Simon -120

Song vs Simon Fighter History

A quick look at the above odds shows that oddsmakers expect an evenly-matched main event at UFC Vegas 72. Having said that, all four sources are in agreement that Simon is the marginal favorite, leaving him available at an average of -122 odds — an implied winning probability of 54.9%.

Simon heads into Las Vegas riding a five-fight winning streak. He managed to finish three of those opponents, winning twice by submission and once by knockout. His latest outing saw him submit Jack Shore with an arm-triangle choke in the second round, earning ‘Performance of the Night’ honors at UFC on ABC 3.

This Saturday night also marks Simon’s return to the bantamweight division. His last three outings came as a featherweight, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares moving back up a weight class.

For reference, Simon has a 6-2 record as a bantamweight in the UFC. His last two outings in the weight class saw him pick up wins over Ray Borg (split decision) and Gaetano Pirrello (submission).

While Simon rides a wave of momentum, Song hopes to get back into the win column in a few days. The 25-year-old phenom hopes to get back on track after his fight with Cory Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 60 ended due to doctor stoppage at the end of the fourth round.

Before that loss, though, Song owned an 8-1-1 record in the UFC and was on a three-fight winning streak. He’s knocked out four fighters during his six-year tenure, including the likes of Marlon Moraes, Julio Arce, and Alejandro Perez.

Song also brings with him a slight striking advantage, averaging 4.55 significant strikes per minute compared to Simon’s rate of 3.04. Having said that, it’s the latter who has the better striking defense (64% vs. 59%).

Song will also be at a disadvantage if the fight heads to the mat, though. While his takedown defense is solid (71%), it’s going to be a long night against Simon, who averages 6.55 takedowns per 15 minutes with 52% accuracy.

With Song being 1-2-1 when he’s taken down in a UFC fight, it’s clear that Simon must do.

Song vs Simon Trends at UFC Vegas 72

• Song has an average fight time of 10:55.
• Simon has an average fight time of 11:52.
• Song is 4-2 in his last six fights.
• Simon is 5-0 in his last five fights.
• Song has finished six of his last 12 opponents (five by KO/TKO, one by submission).
• Simon has finished three of his last four opponents (two by submission, one by KO).
• Song has been finished twice in his career.
• Simon has been finished twice in his career.

Song vs Simon UFC Vegas 72 Fight Prediction

In what should be an evenly-matched showdown, I’m giving the edge to Simon. We’ve already seen that grappling is Song’s downfall and with how often Simon lands takedowns, it’s hard to bet against the latter. Besides, momentum is also on the 30-year-old veteran’s side, putting him in good shape to capitalize on his opponent’s latest loss.

There aren’t many UFC Vegas 72 betting markets available as of writing, meaning the only option is a moneyline wager. Fortunately, the odds are close enough that there’s decent value behind an outright bet. That makes Simon winning outright on Bovada Sportsbook (-115) is the best bet since that’s where his odds are the shortest.

Having said that, any outright bet in Simon’s favor on the sportsbook of your choosing will suffice.

UFC Vegas 72 Event Details

When is UFC Vegas 72?

UFC Vegas 72 will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Where is UFC Vegas 72?

UFC Vegas 72 will take place at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What time does UFC Vegas 72 start?

• UFC Vegas 72 Prelims Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC Vegas 72’s Main Card: 7 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC Vegas 72?

The UFC Vegas 72 preliminary card will be available to be watched on ESPN2 and ESPN+. The main card can then be seen exclusively on ESPN+.