The UFC heads to Miami, Florida for UFC 287 as Israel Adesanya looks to get both revenge and his Middleweight title back when he faces Alex Pereira in the main event. In the co-main local hero Jorge Masvidal looks to stop his recent skid when he faces Brazilian Gilbert Burns. Also on the main card Rob Font and Adrian Yanez will throw down and teen sensation Raul Rosas Jr looks to keep his undefeated record alive when he meets Christian Rodriguez.
We take a look my best bets on the UFC 287 card below, and if you're looking for a new sportsbook to bet with, why not try Picklebet?
UFC 287 Preview & Betting Tips
Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya
When Alex Pereira dethroned Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title it came as a shock for many which seemed strange considering he was 2-0 against ‘The Last Stylebender’ in kickboxing. Where this rematch is even more strange is up until the end Adesanya was in complete control of the fight and looked set to cruise to a clear unanimous decision victory before being caught by the Brazilian. The Kiwi also had Pereira stunned in the first round and arguably if there were seconds more left at the end of the round he would have stopped him.
I think most people would agree that Adesanya is the more technical and well-rounded of the two fighters, but Pereira has that X-factor power to change the course of the fight in an instant. The question is does ‘Poatan’ just have the measure of Adesanya, or can the Middleweight great avenge his loss and reclaim the title? I am going with the latter but not with any great deal of confidence.
Adesanya, I have no doubt will look the better of the two during the fight but if he is caught with his back up against the cage again he could be staring at being 4-0 against a single fighter, something that seems completely outrageous. Regardless, I will be backing Adesanya to get his revenge here in what I believe to be a more technical encounter than their first octagon clash.
Israel Adesanya to win
$1.72 (2 Units)
Rob Font vs. Adrian Yanez
Rob Font faces hot prospect Adrian Yanez in a fight that is sure to be entertaining and one I believe is perfectly set up for him to derail Yanez’s hype this weekend. Yanez has destroyed every Octagon opponent so far being a perfect 5-0, however, Font is a giant killer registering wins over the likes of Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Moraes. Font uses his range and crisp boxing to dismantle foes, which was perfectly demonstrated when he viciously knocked out Moraes inside a round. While Yanez has the power to land the fight-ending shot in a stand-up fight, I still favour Font to land more damage and win rounds. I believe the upset is on the cards here.
Rob Font to win
$2.70 (2 Units)
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Chris Curtis
This fight is being absolutely slept on and one that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. Kelvin Gastelum may find himself on an unprecedented 1-5 run in his last 6 fights since his war with former champion Israel Adesanya but his opposition has been tough. He faces a step down in opponent here in Chris Curtis who packs a punch but isn’t anywhere as technical as Gastelum. Curtis is 5-1 in the UFC with 3 knockout wins and has beaten Joaquin Buckley, Rodolfo Vieira, Brendan Allen, Phil Hawes, and André Fialho, all UFC calibre fighters. However, in a straight boxing fight which it seems like it will be, Gastelum holds the power and technique to put Curtis on his butt. Back Gastelum to return to the win column this weekend.
Kelvin Gastelum to win
$1.80 (3 Units)
