In the highly-anticipated UFC Vegas 86 event, the APEX card will once again be the stage for thrilling middleweight matchups. Headlining the event is an exciting clash between Joe Pyfer and Jack Hermansson, as Pyfer aims to break into the top 15 and Hermansson fights to retain his perennial spot in the rankings. Alongside this main event, fans can look forward to three more action-packed middleweight bouts and a multitude of other captivating fights.

One notable matchup features Brad Tavares, a solid contender who has gained recognition as one of the quintessential middleweights. Tavares has made a name for himself by scrutinizing and thwarting the efforts of up-and-coming talents attempting to break into the top 15. This time, he faces off against Gregory Rodrigues, whose defensively questionable fighting style may be overshadowed by Tavares' cleaner technique and durability. Tavares' strong leg kicks and Rodrigues' potential gas tank issues create a compelling scenario, making Tavares a worthwhile bet.

Contradicting the previous fight analysis, another intriguing bout showcases the promising grappler Armen Petrosyan, accompanied by one significant reason to back him - his opponent, Vieira, who is deemed less proficient in wrestling. Petrosyan may lack the finesse of someone like Brad Tavares, but his wrestling skills could prove decisive in this match, increasing the chances of taking the fight to the ground.

As for Joe Pyfer, although there are concerns about his rawness and stamina, his raw power has earned him considerable hype. The five-round fight against the division stalwart Jack Hermansson will test Pyfer's endurance and technical refinement. However, with Father Time catching up to Hermansson and Roman Dolidze recently knocking him out, Pyfer's ability to secure a knockout could be a prop worth considering.

In the featherweight division, Dan Ige's consistent presence in the top 15 for the past five years puts him in a favorable position against Andre Fili. Fili, a dynamic fighter, is unlikely to exploit Ige's weakness in defensive wrestling. The fight largely contested on the feet plays into Ige's strengths, with his craftiness, power, and solid defense giving him the edge. Betting on Ige to win by decision provides an attractive alternative to a straight bet.

UFC Vegas 86 also presents an opportunity to witness the debut of Bolaji Oki and Carlos Prates, fresh from their appearances on the Contender Series. Although labeled as "Three-And-D Rotational Players," both fighters possess the potential to be engaging contributors to UFC shows. Pairing these two newcomers in a parlay bet could provide a thrilling outcome for fans, despite Oki's last-minute replacement potentially influencing the odds.

On a more ambitious note, Ihor Potieria's chances of victory against Robert Bryczek might seem unlikely, given his underwhelming record. However, Potieria's decision to step in on short notice and make his middleweight debut could work in his favor. With a desire to honor the legacy of Shogun, Potieria's submission skills and Bryczek's own deficiencies provide a glimmer of hope for an unexpected triumph.

UFC Vegas 86 promises to be a night filled with middleweight clashes, potential upsets, and high-stakes action. As the fighters prepare to step into the octagon, fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacle that awaits in the APEX arena.