The UFC returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for International Fight Week on July 2. Headlining this stacked event will be an exciting bout between the current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (22-1) and the #2 ranked Jared Cannonier (15-5).
Last Fight Record
Adesanya has yet to lose in the middleweight division. His last two title defenses were both decision victories over Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker.
Jared Cannonier is coming off an impressive performance, knocking out Derek Brunson in a #1 contender bout earlier this year.
Adesanya vs Cannonier Betting Analysis
Israel Adesanya
“The Last Stylebender” is arguably the best striker we have ever seen in the UFC. His technique, size, speed, and creativity are things that give him a special advantage inside the octagon. He has tons of experience with his 70+ kickboxing matches and his many UFC title fights. He really is a spectacle every time he makes that walk to the cage.
In the media leading up to this fight, it seems that Izzy has an abundance of confidence. He has been quoted saying that this performance is going to be a lot like the all-time dominant showing that Anderson Silva had in his knockout win over Forrest Griffin.
We know his experience and skill will give him the advantage over a 25-minute time frame with a fight that will most likely stay on the feet. Adesanya is prepared to put on a show for all the people that will show up for International Fight Week and all those watching at home. He has the perfect dance partner in Cannonier to do this with.
Jared Cannonier
What an awesome story that is the career journey of Jared Cannonier. From Alaska, started out in the UFC at heavyweight, and has transformed his body and his mind to be a top middleweight contender headlining a card at T-Mobile Arena for UFC gold.
A fight to look at to see what Cannonier can do to be successful in this one is his matchup against the great Anderson Silva. Although Silva was not in his prime, he resembled Adesanya’s fight style a lot and Cannonier did many great things in that one. He will need to land heavy leg kicks and cut off the cage for Izzy, just like he did against Silva.
We all know Cannonier won’t be able to win a 25-minute kickboxing match against the champ. He will need to take major chances to be able to hurt Adesanya badly and finish this one to come away with the UFC belt. This makes this matchup very exciting because there will be guaranteed violence.
Updates
- Adesanya says this fight will compare a lot to his performance against Paulo Costa.
Adesanya vs Cannonier Betting Preview
According to MMA odds, Adesanya has been set to as much as a -500 favorite in this one. Very interesting that some sportsbooks have him that high considering the danger that Cannonier brings with those 4oz. gloves. Cannonier has a lot of value at +300 considering he will always be dangerous and will be most likely going for the finish at all times against Izzy.
To break this matchup down, we have to first look at the size advantage for Adesanya. He will have about 5 inches in height and about 3 inches in reach over Cannonier. This is notable because Adesanya is a master of distance. No one has ever perfected distance management in the octagon the way Adesanya has. He uses his physical attributes to their fullest.
Also, you have to look at Cannonier and his physical qualities. He is a former heavyweight that has retained all that power he had when he was weighing in at 50+ lbs heavier than he does now. He hits like a truck and is very durable. UFC odds usually have a lot of prop bets and for this one, Cannonier is set at +500 to win by TKO/KO. This is something to really keep an eye on because this is probably the only way Cannonier will walk away with that belt.
MMA betting trends have shown that Adesanya has become much more of a favorite as this fight gets closer, which is interesting. I think that his technical skills and confidence have changed it and it will be exciting to see how this one plays out.
Adesanya vs Cannonier Betting Prediction
This one will be an exciting fight, much different than the last few Adesanya performances. Cannonier is the perfect dance partner and he will be taking chances to touch Izzy’s chin from the start.
With Adesanya’s creativity and distance management, I think he will be tough to stop for Cannonier. There will always be a puncher’s chance so I think the prop bet for KO victory is a very feasible play on this one too. But I think Izzy is going to remind the MMA world why he is the champion and the best striker to ever do it.
I believe that this one is going to be over within 4 rounds and it is going to be full of excitement. Cannonier will land some heavy shots on Adesanya and Adesanya will find his shot and execute it for a spectacular finish.
Final Prediction: Adesanya wins by TKO +170
How To Bet On Adesanya vs Cannonier
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