The Battle for Africa: Adesanya Back for Title Shot vs Du Plessis
Du Plessis vs Adesanya Odds are Dead Even at Pick'em
We can’t wait for the UFC middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. The war of words is over, and now it’s time to fight. The Du Plessis vs Adesanya odds have these African rivals at -115 on each side.
Adesanya opened as the favorite in his return to the Octagon following a loss to Sean Strickland, but late money on the UFC fight odds has come for the current champion.
UFC 305 promises to end with a bang, and it could be a Fight of the Year contender.
Du Plessis Du-ing Damage
It has been a meteoric rise for 30-year-old Du Plessis, who won the title when beating Strickland by decision.
He landed six takedowns, which was enough to secure the middleweight title, despite being outstruck in significant strikes.
Strickland landed 173 significant strikes compared to 137 from Du Plessis, but judges often reward takedowns.
He now defends his title against a man beaten by Strickland, but that wasn’t the same Adesanya we’re used to seeing.
If he thinks it’s going to be an easy title defense, he’s sadly mistaken, and his next UFC fight could be his last with the title around his waist.
We’re not surprised with the betting support with Du Plessis vs Adesanya odds. He opened as the underdog, which is rare in a title fight. However, he’s confident of a big showing at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
“[Adesanya’s] career can’t be argued, he’s one of the greatest fighters ever. Not in the middleweight division, not in the UFC, but in MMA, one of the best to ever do it. While he’s still in the organization, I’m holding the belt, which makes it pretty evident that there’s something special [about me] and there’s something different.” Du Plessis said.
The 21-2 fighter must be respected as the champion, and he’s the more imposing fighter physically. We just haven’t seen his mental toughness come through yet, but that could show up on Saturday.
Adesanya’s Back and He Wants His Title
We were all shocked when Adesanya said he was stepping away from the UFC. But it didn’t take him long to come back. A fight against Du Plessis was all he needed to put the gloves back on, and we’re hoping he’s ready for this.
The New Zealander showed nothing against Strickland. He was out of ideas, and he looked disinterested in winning. We’re not sure why that happened, no one knows, but he won’t make the same mistake again.
One of the most gifted MMA artists of all time, former champion Adesanya is back, and the -115 joint favorite is paying a good price.
Du Plessis vs Adesanya odds had him at -125 on opening, and we’re not worried by the betting drift. Money was always going to come for the former champion, who knocked out phenom Alex Pereira in the second round in 2023.
This was Pereira’s only defeat in the UFC. He has since dominated, so that’s an excellent form guide, and it shows Adesanya can defeat bigger fighters.
The 35-year-old might be the older fighter, which isn’t ideal, but The Last Stylebender is coming with heat.
“I think you guys will see the best me you’ve seen yet, I’m the biggest I’ve ever been, the most muscular I’ve ever been. I feel faster. I surprise myself sometimes with the speed that I’m hitting with. I feel like I’m Blade in this one. So yeah, it’s been good to refresh myself and reset myself.” Adesanya said.
And… New UFC Middleweight Champion
Our UFC 305 predictions have Adesanya reclaiming his middleweight title.
He is one of the greatest champions ever seen in the sport, and we think there’s still more life left in him.
Du Plessis is a quality fighter, but he has never faced anyone like Adesanya, and his win over Strickland wasn’t overly convincing.
It might not end in a knockout, so taking over 4.5 rounds at even-money is worth including in UFC prop bets, but taking Adesanya to win is a logical bet.
He has been training solely for this fight, and we think he has gotten into the head of Du Plessis, in particular about not being a “real” African.
Those are harsh words, and it could be enough to see Adesanya emerge victorious in front of many Kiwi and Australian fans in Perth.
For UFC betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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