Undefeated at 185lb, Israel Adesanya is set to defend his UFC Middleweight title against ex-Heavyweight Jarod Cannonier.
Israel Adesanya (22-1) vs Jared Cannonier (15-5)
Since attempting to win the 205lb belt from Jan Blachowicz, Adesanya got back in the winners circle with workmanlike performances against Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker, winning a pair of unanimous decisions.
Cannonier has found his home at Middleweight, producing violent knockout wins against the likes of Jack Hermansson and most recently, Derek Brunson. However, he does face his toughest test yet against Adesanya.
We are unlikely to see much grappling during this fight as both men much prefer to trade, albeit in different ways. Cannonier likes to work with heavy leg kicks and take up the offence, whereas Adesanya usually fights with a much more patient, counter-striking style.
This should play into the champ’s hands well, picking Cannonier apart early and ultimately landing the knockout blow for yet another title defense.
Alexander Volkanovski (24-1) vs Max Holloway (23-6)
It is unusual to see a “trilogy” fight where one fighter has won the first two matches but here we are. Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway will run it back for the 3rd and final time, to likely determine who will go down as the UFC 145lb G.O.A.T.
Volkanovski brought Holloway’s 145lb winning streak to an end at UFC 245, taking the belt off him by Unanimous Decision. An immediate rematch was granted and although Volkanosvki got the job done again, it was a lot less convincing that time, edging out a razor-thin split decision which left a lot of punters asking questions.
He has since defended his title twice, beating Brian Ortega in an epic many claimed as “Fight of the Year” and then demolishing The Korean Zombie in four rounds.
Volkanovski keeps getting better with each fight. He showed improved submission defence against Ortega and his hands arguably looked faster than ever when taking apart TKZ.
It’s hard to see where Holloway could have made enough improvement in his game to change the result this time around. It’s unlikely that either fighter lands that one killer blow, so Volk to yet again win on the scorecards looks the play.
Alex Pereira (5-1) vs Sean Strickland (25-3)
The winner of this fight will no doubt be watching the main event later on in the evening, as they might find themselves in line for a Middleweight title shot in the near future.
Ex-Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Glory Kickboxing champion Alex Pereira faces a tough rise in class against the ultra durable Sean Strickland.
After an extremely successful stint in kickboxing (including knocking out Israel Adesanya in 2017), Pereira made the full-time transition to MMA in 2020. Picking up one win on the regional circuit, he made his presence known inside the Octagon at UFC 268, brutalising Andreas Michailidis with a devastating flying knee and announcing himself to the MMA world. He followed that up with a clinical decision win against Bruno Silva and now gets his chance to prove he can be mentioned with some of the best at 185lb.
Sean Strickland is an extremely tough and accomplished fighter (despite his social media shortcomings). Arriving in the UFC in 2014, he has built up an impressive resume of wins against the likes of Uriah Hall and Jack Hermansson. He combines high striking volume with an extremely underrated wrestling and grappling game, which makes him a problem for nearly everyone in the division.
This is a great opportunity for Pereira, who holds the clear striking advantage. Strickland has shown no issue with walking his opponents down and throwing his hands. This may ultimately bring him unstuck as Pereira being a far more technical striker, should be able to land counters at will. Strickland has only been knocked out once in his career and as such, the value lies in Pereira taking a decision victory.
Multi
Pereira to win, Adesanya to win, Volkanovski by Decision ($5.07)
