Quick Facts
- Adesanya enters the contest as -650 favorite
- Sean Stickland an outside at +420
- Adesanya is coming off a big knockout win
It is UFC 293 fight week and the anticipation is building ahead of the main event on the card, Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland. The two middleweights will face off in what promises to be an excellent event.
Adesanya vs. Strickland Odds
| Fighter | Odds (To Win) |
|---|---|
| Israel Adesanya | -60 |
| Sean Strickland | +420 |
Israel Adesanya began his second reign as world champion in April, defeating Alex Pereira via knockout to finally beat his long-time rival, who initially took the belt from him in November. With that rivalry put to one side, the Nigerian-New Zealander will defend his belt against Strickland, who has won his last two contests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_huq-epG9g
American Strickland was not the champion’s first choice of opponent, with Adesanya making it clear that he wanted to take on Dricus Du Plessis. However, an injury to the South African put paid to any hopes of seeing that grudge match on this card. That doesn’t mean fight fans are any less excited to see Strickland (27-5) get a chance to dethrone Adesanya (24-2) this weekend.
In this case, availability has turned into being the best ability for Strickland. The fact he has avoided injury has meant he has been asked to jump in at short notice on two previous occasions, winning both, and sees him be given a fantastic opportunity to get the belt this weekend.
Adesanya vs. Strickland Prediction
We like the look of this fight on paper as Strickland is known for being a high-pressure fighter while Adesanya has, in the past, been accused of being a bit casual and taking some time off in rounds. Strickland’s all-action nature will force the champion to keep engaged at all times and should lead to an exciting fight.
However, we feel the odds reveal how this fight is likely to go. Strickland does not possess the kind of one-punch knockout power that Alex Pereira does, stopping just two opponents in his seven wins at 185lbs.
Meanwhile, Adesanya looked ominously good in his win over Pereira last April. Barring a major upset, it is very difficult to look beyond Adesanya winning this bout, with a stoppage likely in the second round.
Best Sportsbooks for Adesanya vs. Strickland
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