UFC 263: ADESANYA VS. VETTORI 2

With a little more than three years passed, the rematch is set and this time the Middleweight title is on the line! Back in 2018 Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori squared off in a battle that went the distance and was a fairly even match-up throughout. Adesanya left the victor squeaking out a split decision win over Vettori as he showed the more dominant stand-up, and was the only person to land anything of significance throughout the fight, but that doesn't mean Vettori didn't also have some success against the current champion. Now with three years passed, and both fighters elevating their game, this rematch is going to be a war!

With Adesanya already claiming victory over Vettori in the past, does Vegas predict the same outcome this time?

MONEYLINE:

Marvin Vettori +200 Israel Adesanya -250 TO GO THE DISTANCE:

Yes -140 No +110

With a lot of animosity between Adesanya and Vettori we most certainly will see a completely different fight than the first, but how different exactly? Ever since Marvin dropped his bout with Adesanya he has been on a mission for a rematch to finally become the first ever Italian born UFC Campion. We have learned over the past three years that Marvin has dangerous wrestling abilities and he put this on display over his last 5 fights inside the octagon winning all 5 of them in dominant fashion. In his last outing he fought Kevin Holland and completely neutralized all of Holland's striking ability by keeping the fight inside the clinch or controlling Holland on his back throughout. With the Championship on the line this time I don't see Marvin changing his game-plan and believe he will look to take-down Israel as soon as the fight begins.

For the first time in Israel Adesanya's career he will look to get back in the winning column after dropping his last bout against Jan Blachowicz. We finally witnessed "the Last Stylebender's" first defeat inside the octagon and we also seen him being controlled by Jan throughout a five round fight. Israel is well aware of Marvin's game-plan to copy the same blueprint Jan created and plans to counter Marvin whenever he does shoot in for a takedown. This will not be the first time Israel has been matched-up against a wrestler, but it definitely will be the best wrestler he has ever been paired up against. Israel has been a dominant champion throughout his UFC career and this Saturday he will be going for his fifth title defense. Over the last three years he has finished some of the Middleweight's best fighters with his unorthodox striking and will look to add Vettori to his highlight reel. The last time Adesanya dealt with Vettori he was able to keep his distance with his striking and will have to weather the same storm this weekend. With his belt on the line this time, will we once again see Israel show his dominance inside the Middleweight division?

So now three years later, and the Championship up for grabs, who do I see walking out victorious? MONEYLINE:

Vettori +200

Call me crazy but I think this Saturday we will witness an upset in the main event! I believe that this fight will be very similar to the first but with five full rounds this time I believe Marvin's relentlessness for the takedown will wear on Adesanya. I would not be surprised at all if Israel walks out champion still, but with odds this low in his favor I believe Vegas knows something we don't! All rematches in MMA usually heavily favor the previous victor, so with odds this strange I will look to take full advantage of +200.

TO GO THE DISTANCE:

Yes -140

After Vettori proved game for twenty-five minutes against Holland in his last bout I believe this fight will almost mirror the fight that he has with Adesanya this weekend. I do not believe Israel will be able to counter Marvin and end the fight within the distance, and I also don't see Vettori being able to finish Israel. If I had to chose between the two I would bet this fight sees the judges scorecards. So with that being said there is also a good opportunity to cash in on a hefty payday in the fight props section for "Vettori to win by decision" at odds of +375 and that is where I will be laying my money down on.

TOP BETS FOR THE CARD:

Carlos Felipe / Jake Collier

Carlos Felipe: -150

Terrance McKinney / Matt Frevola

Under 1.5 Rounds: +115

Deiveson Figueiredo / Brandon Moreno Brandon Moreno: +175 Leon Edwards / Nate Diaz Not to Go the Distance: -120 Drew Dober / Brad Riddell Not to Go the Distance: +140

Chase Hooper / Steven Peterson Steven Peterson: +100