Ahead of the much anticipated UFC 276 PPV, we take an in-depth look at Adesanya vs Cannonier, preview paths to victory, and prediction
The UFC returns with a stacked pay-per-view card for the International Fight Week, when UFC 276 goes down on 2nd July at T-Mobile Arena. The card features two title fights at the top of the card, with a total of 12 fights.
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya holds an unwavering view that he’s the best middleweight on the planet, and his record speaks for itself. He has been on a rampant run, wiping out almost the entire division. He is all set to face Jared Cannonier at UFC 276, in a quest for his fifth title defense. His opponent Jared Cannonier has emerged as the dark horse of the division, and is confident in his abilities to dethrone the middleweight king. Cannonier dug deep, and overcame some adversity in his last fight against Derek Brunson, eventually knocking him out cold. Adesanya on the other hand has been lapping the division, and beat Robert Whittaker in their rematch at UFC 271.
The stars are aligned for Adesanya to make his fifth title defense at UFC 276 with an opponent that prefers a stand-up battle. It is almost impossible for fighters to figure out the puzzle that is Izzy, who is revolutionizing the striking game inside the UFC, one fight at a time. In a sport that is evolving everyday, ‘Izzy’ has changed the way we perceive striking through his laser-sharp precision punches, exceptional footwork and seemingly unintelligible defense. Izzy has successfully set in motion and established the feint game which was unique when MMA textbook striking is taken into consideration. He draws reactions out of his opponents through subtle movements and in doing so computes the data and launches his range of attacks.
Path to Victory
Adesanya’s path to victory would be to keep the fight in his desired range, stay outside on the pocket, and not get caught because Cannonier does posses some bombs in his hands.
As for Jared, he needs to make this a dogfight. Since he is not the best grappler in the roaster, he has to ensure that he establishes center control from the get-go, and forces Adesanya into a gruelling clinch contest. He needs to manage his energy reserves well since Izzy has a significant advantage in that department. Cannonier should also invest in body kicks early which may disrupt the fluid movement of Adesanya.
ODDS – Per Vegas Insider, Adesanya is the -350 favorite while Cannonier is the +275 underdog.
Our Prediction- Israel Adesanya defeats Jared Cannonier by TKO in round 3
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