Du Plessis v Adesanya preview & top betting picks | UFC 305

A middleweight title bout for the ages between incumbent Dricus du Plessis and former champion Israel Adesanya headlines UFC 305 in Perth this Sunday. Simmering tensions are set to explode in a compelling stylistic matchup for UFC gold in Western Australia. Read on for our full fight analysis and betting tips.

Du Plessis v Adesanya UFC 305 fight preview

Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya

Dricus du Plessis (21-3-0) claimed the middleweight crown with a tough and bloody decision victory over Sean Strickland in January 2024. The 30-year-old is a fearless combatant who walks down his opponents while throwing heavy shots from a variety of angles. He inevitably wears damage with this strategy, but du Plessis is a gritty character who does not retreat.

Before claiming the belt, du Plessis accounted for Australian legend Robert Whittaker with a second-round knockout that forced the MMA world to take notice. The South African is a fan favourite due to his high stoppage percentage, with just two of his professional fights lasting the distance. The champ boasts nine knockout wins and 10 via submission.

Israel Adesanya (24-3-0) has taken almost a year off since losing his belt to Strickland. The 35-year-old needed time to recharge his batteries and find a worthy opponent to motivate a return to full training. Adesanya has not looked the same since being brutally finished by Alex Pereira in April 2023 and might be nearing the end of his MMA journey.

Adesanya won the middleweight belt in 2019 and defended it five times by using height, range, and accurate striking to intimidate his challengers. Many froze in the spotlight, leading to lopsided decision victories. That advantage will not apply here, and the danger is that Adesanya has lost his edge and will be unable to match the intensity of a younger and hungrier opponent.

Du Plessis v Adesanya betting strategy

This appears to be a very favourable matchup for the champion. UFC betting markets are leaning on Adesanya’s record, but he is not the same athlete that dominated the 185-pound division. Based on recent results and contrasting styles, du Plessis should be a warm favourite with online bookmakers.

The champion will rush Adesanya, cramp him for space, and dictate the pace to win the strategy war. Du Plessis has all the tools needed to dismantle Adesanya and has the right mindset for the challenge. He could conceivably win by knockout, submission, or decision, so play it safe and take the big odds for him to win the fight. If you must hunt for value, take du Plessis via KO/TKO.

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