Middleweight uber-prospect Israel Adesanya (12-0, 12 KOs) will meet Italy’s Marvin Vettori (12-3, 2 KOs, 8 SUBs) at UFC on FOX 29 on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get the latest previews, predictions and picks at BookMaker.eu now!
As far as first impressions go, Israel Adesanya could not have made a better one in his first UFC fight. Making his debut as an 11-0 prospect, the Nigerian kickboxer overwhelmed Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221, raining a hellstorm of punches to end the fight in spectacular fashion. It was such an impressive victory that the UFC is putting him back in action just two months later - and leveling up his competition in the process.
This Saturday, the 28-year old meets Italy’s Marvin Vettori at UFC on FOX 29 in Glendale, Arizona. Vettori provides an interesting test for the developing Adesanya, as he’s a grappler who will look to stifle a dynamic striking game. Vettori is coming off a majority draw against Omari Akhmedov at UFC 219, and is 2-1 with 1 NC in the UFC.
Naturally, Adesanya is a huge favorite against a mid-tier fighter - but that means you can get massive underdog odds on him. Should you take the bait? Let’s check the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your best value picks.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Israel Adesanya -260
Marvin Vettori +220
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Matchup Preview
We first have to discuss Adesanya’s nickname: The Last Stylebender. It toes the line between super cool and super cheesy, but the fact that it’s really original makes us lean towards the former. That’s a moniker people tend to remember.
Anyways, with just one fight in the UFC, the jury is still out whether Adesanya will love up to his massive hype. A kickboxing sensation, the Nigerian is already bringing up champion Robert Whittaker’s name. That’s the kind of confidence you like to see - but it also could get him in a lot of trouble.
Still, we can’t deny the fact that Adesanya is 12-0 with 12 KOs. Most of his experience comes overseas, in the Wu Lin Feng promotion, so we’ve got to take his wins with a grain of salt. Prior to his UFC callup, his most recognizable opponent was Melvin Guillard, a former UFC lightweight who has struggles badly in recent years.
With an 80-inch reach, the ability to switch stances at will and attack with all eight points, Adesanya can be outright terrifying when he gets his rhythm. Using his electric athleticism, The Last Stylebender favors sudden, lunging combination attacks. So far, it’s led to 6.03 strikes landed per minute with 69% accuracy - astonishing numbers that are sure to drop as he fights better competition.
Obviously, Vettori will have to take him down if he wants to win this scrap. Whether he can do so is a tossup. Knowing that he has to improve his wrestling, Vettori has been training extensively with Patrick Cummins at Kings MMA. Grappling first will be a new look for the Italian, who prefers to let his left hand daze opponents so he can finish with his guillotine.
UFC Odds Pick: Parlay Adesanya to win -260
We admit that super hyped prospects are always ripe for big upsets, but Vettori is not a good enough wrestler to pull it off. The price on Adesanya is much too high to be a straight play, but he’s so much more talented - physically and skillswise - that we can safely recommend him as a parlay booster.
If you’re looking for a bigger payout, than consider Adesanya inside the distance or by KO. They are of course much higher risks, but the hype is real on this kid.
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UFC on FOX 29 takes place on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET.
