UFC Event 305: Anticipated Clash Between Du Plessis and Adesanya: Experts' Forecasts
Beefed-up Showdown It's a heavyweight grudge match between South Africa's Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305, taking place at the RAC Arena in Perth late Saturday night (Sunday morning SA time). A few of Oceania's finest fighters will also be lighting up the main card. Adesanya represents Nigeria and New Zealand, Kiwis Kai Kara-France and Dan Hooker are also stepping into the octagon, along with Aussies Steve Erceg and Tai Tuivasa.
Elite flyweights Kara-France and Erceg lock horns in the co-main event, while Hooker takes on Mateusz Gamrot in the featured bout. The heavyweight division brings a clash between ranked fighters as Jairzinho Rozenstruik squares off against Tuivasa, and Li Jingliang faces Carlos Prates at welterweight.
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MAIN CARD (from 4 AM Sunday morning SA time):
Dricus du Plessis (1.90) v Israel Adesanya (1.90) (Middleweight Championship)
This is a blockbuster title fight with deep-rooted tension as Du Plessis defends his 185-pound crown against his heated rival, Adesanya, known as "The Last Stylebender." The bad blood between them stems from Du Plessis' 2020 remarks that he'd become "the first real African champion." Adesanya, who is Nigerian-born, saw it as disrespect to other UFC African champions. A rematch between them was delayed due to Dricus' injury, and instead, it went to the upsetting American, Sean Strickland.
Both fighters have impressive records and a variety of skills to bring to the table. Dricus du Plessis is a prolific pugilist, powerful, and explosive, with an excellent finishing rate in his 23-fight career. Adesanya is a Hall of Fame candidate with a brilliant fight IQ, unmatched striking abilities, and a formidable KO record.
Du Plessis' offbeat rhythm and forward pressure may cause Adesanya problems but "Izzy" has the speed, footwork, technique, timing, and reach advantage to counterpunch effectively. Dricus must make it messy to avoid allowing Adesanya to set his rhythm. Both fighters could finish the fight via KO, decision, or submission.
Prediction: Du Plessis by decision
Bet: Du Plessis at 1.96
Alternatives: Du Plessis by decision at 5.00, by KO/TKO/DQ at 4.00, or by KO/TKO/Submission/DQ at 2.80.
Kai Kara-France (2.36) v Steve Erceg (1.61) (Flyweight)
This Kiwi-Aussie showdown is a fascinating matchup in itself, with New Zealand's Kara-France and Steve Erceg representing Australia. Kara-France, Adesanya's teammate, returns to action after a year, seeking to snap a two-fight losing streak. Erceg, on the other hand, had a tough battle against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja back in May but has his sights set on a second shot at the belt.
Erceg has a strong striking game, impressive wrestling ability, and fight IQ. Kara-France is energetic, wild, and a nimble striker with finishing power. This matchup may come down to Erceg's intelligence, experience, and range against Kara-France's determination to score a significant win.
Prediction: Erceg by decision
Bet: Erceg at 1.61
Alternative: Erceg by decision at 2.20
Mateusz Gamrot (1.29) v Dan Hooker (3.70) (Lightweight)
High-ranking lightweights will put on a show in this featured bout. Gamrot is a nightmare to face with his world-class wrestling and relentless fighting spirit. He's 7-2 in the UFC and has intimidating wins against Jalin Turner, Rafael Fiziev, and former champion Rafael dos Anjos. Hooker, another of Adesanya's teammates, is exceptional in height and reach for a lightweight, boasting a kickboxing background, fearlessness, and a decade-long tenure in the UFC.
While Hooker has faced challenges, like injury and a broken arm in his last fight, his grit and resilience are top-notch. According to Gamrot's team, they'll need to watch out for Hooker's knees in the middle and have the required skills and experience to consistently avoid danger, ground, and control Hooker.
Prediction: Gamrot by decision
Bet: Gamrot by decision at 1.64
Alternative Bets: Tuivasa by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.68 or Under 1.5 rounds at 1.51
Tai Tuivasa (2.80) v Jairzinho Rozenstruik (1.45) (Heavyweight)
This heavyweight contest promises excitement with both fighters being known for their explosive, fan-friendly fighting styles. The Aussie "Bam Bam" attracts the loudest support, displaying eccentric ring entrances, powerful striking, and the trademark shoey celebration. Rozenstruik is a Suriname standout, known for his kickboxing pedigree, subtle weapons, and technical precision. While Tuivasa might have a reach advantage, Rozenstruik’s technique and experience have the potential to neutralize Tuivasa's aggressive approach.
Prediction: Rozenstruik by KO
Bet: Rozenstruik by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.68
Alternative: Under 1.5 rounds at 1.51
Li Jingliang (3.95) v Carlos Prates (1.27) (Welterweight)
Kicking off the Main Card is a welterweight contest between the experienced Li Jingliang and Carlos Prates, who's on a nine-fight win streak with eight KO victories. Li is coming back after an extended layoff, looking to climb back up the rankings. This matchup could see Prates' explosive power and technical precision prove too much for Li to handle.
Prediction: Prates by KO
Best Bet: Prates by KO/TKO/DQ
In addition to the UFC 305 main event between South Africa's Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, there are numerous other sports-related betting opportunities on the main card. Kai Kara-France, representing New Zealand in the co-main event, faces Steve Erceg in a fierce flyweight matchup. Elsewhere, Hall-of-Fame contender Israel Adesanya's teammate Dan Hooker battles Mateusz Gamrot at the lightweight division, a contest that could be a battle of wills between Gamrot's relentless wrestling style and Hooker's resilience.
In the heavyweight division, betting enthusiasts can wager on two ranked fighters as Jairzinho Rozenstruik squares off against Australia's Tai Tuivasa. For those who prefer an emphasis on striking, Tuivasa's explosive, fan-friendly approach faces Rozenstruik's kickboxing precision and technicality.
For those seeking a quick finish, Carlos Prates, who boasts a nine-fight win streak with eight KO victories, takes on experienced welterweight Li Jingliang to kick off the Main Card. Prates' explosive power and technical precision could make him a formidable opponent for Li on his road back to the upper echelons of the rankings.
Finally, extending beyond UFC, there are opportunities to place predictions on various sports events. With the cricket World Cup coming up, astute bettors can study the teams' performances and make informed decisions when it comes to their picks for the title. Moreover, the rugby season is in full swing, offering an array of matches with competitive odds and exciting outcomes for rugby fans and sports bettors alike. So, place your bets on the UFC action or the various sports events across the globe, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
