The most highly anticipated UFC event of the year goes down this weekend as UFC 276 storms the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, Israel Adesanya looks to defend his Middleweight title for the fifth time when he meets Jared Cannonier.
In the co-main Alexander Volkanovski attempts to make it 3-0 against former champion Max Holloway and highly touted prospects Alex Pereira and Sean O’Malley also feature on the main card. We take a look at the two title fights and one on the early prelims in this weekend’s UFC preview.
UFC 276 Betting Picks
Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier
Ok so before everyone keeps calling Jared Cannonier Israel Adesanya’s toughest test to date, tell me something he has to offer that previous challengers haven’t? Realistically the gap between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker to the rest of the division is fairly substantial and Cannonier stylistically is ideal for Adesanya and is in my opinion probably his easiest title defense to date.
The Kiwi isn’t calling for this fight because he wants to be challenged, it is a linear match up to Paulo Costa, a fellow striker who relies on their physical power instead of technique and movement and ends up being a punching bag for ‘The Last Stylebender’.
Adesanya dominates from start to finish and looks almightily impressive while doing so, defending his title for the fifth time.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Max Holloway
Alexander Volkanovski is currently 2-0 against Max Holloway but both fights were closely contested and Holloway will be out for revenge. When assessing rematches, you must look at what improvements each has made. Holloway is the better boxer who since his most recent defeat to the champ has completely destroyed Calvin Kattar and outsmarted Yair Rodriguez. The Australian since beating Holloway showed his class and grit to beat Brian Ortega and then made The Korean Zombie look like he was an amateur.
This fight will be similarly tight as the first two encounters but I will back Holloway to get the nod. He is more likely to land at a higher output and I just believe in America the judging is likely to favor Holloway. The second Blessed era begins this weekend.
Jessica-Rose Clark vs Julija Stoliarenko
Jessica-Rose Clark has improved out of sight in the last two years, however, a lapse in her clinch game saw her submitted last time out. Julija Stoliarenko comes into this fight on a three-fight skid and is fighting for her UFC career.
Clark really has all the tools to get the win but she had all the tools to beat Stephanie Egger and didn’t. Even still I am backing the Aussie to fight smart, lean on her wrestling and stay out of trouble on route to a clear decision victory.
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