Welterweights collide on Saturday night as a returning Jonny Parsons faces Jose Souza at UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker inside the Meta APEX.
Parsons (9–3 MMA, 1–0 UFC) has won six straight fights — including a second-round TKO in his Octagon debut against Danny Roberts — but has been sidelined since July 2023 with severe lower-body injuries. Souza (9–1, 1–0 UFC) eked out a split-decision win over Ding Meng in his promotional debut in May.
Souza enters as a -225 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Parsons is a +185 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Jonny Parsons vs. Jose Souza Fight Preview
Jonny Parsons
- 9–3 MMA (1–0 UFC)
- 7–2 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
“The Sluggernaut” has plenty of rust to shake off as Jonny Parsons attempts a comeback after a 3+ year injury layoff. The Mississippi native returns at 35 years old, following extensive rehab for recurring hip and groin injuries. To his credit, Parsons is a solid Muay Thai striker who returns on a six-fight winning streak, capped by a stoppage win in his UFC debut. That said, he’s seriously undersized at 170 pounds — standing 5-foot-9 with a 69-inch reach — and will be far behind the eight ball after such an extended absence.
Jose Souza
- 9–1 MMA (1–0 UFC)
- 6–1 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
Jose Souza is coming off an impressive UFC debut, taking a split-decision from fellow promotional newcomer Ding Meng, who came into the fight at 35–10 with 28 KOs. The 24-year-old Brazilian looked strong on the feet, bolstering sound technical striking with a massive reach advantage en route to his fourth straight pro victory. “Canela” will look even more physically imposing beside Jonny Parsons, with an extra six inches of height and 10 inches in reach. He’ll likely lean on his towering frame to control distance and pile up shots from range, minimizing the puncher’s chance against his undersized opponent.
Jonny Parsons vs. Jose Souza Pick, Best Bet
After a solid UFC debut, Jose Souza looks poised to parlay that momentum into another win on Saturday night against the embattled Jonny Parsons after 40 months away. The former enters with clear advantages in age, size, and activity, and his technical ability should be enough to stymie his ring-rusted adversary. If Souza can’t find the knockout, he should coast to a commanding victory on the scorecards.
