UFC 271 storms the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas this weekend for a much-anticipated rematch as Israel Adesanya looks to shrug off former champion Robert Whittaker in their main event title rematch. In the co man, two of the biggest and most beloved Heavyweight sluggers throw down when Tai Tuivasa faces off with Houston’s own Derrick Lewis.
Also on the card is also a pivotal Middleweight clash between Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson and Bobby Green and Nasrat Haqparast meet in what is a fascinating fight to open the main card. We take a look at my best bets on the card below.
UFC 271 Betting Tips
Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker
Adesanya’s failed move up to Light Heavyweight showed his lack of wrestling and more importantly cluelessness on the ground especially for a champion. In saying that, if you don’t think he went away and ruthlessly worked on that then you are kidding yourself. However, Whittaker has always had incredibly underrated wrestling and jiu jitsu, he just has rarely used it other than to scramble out of bad situations.
In this rematch, I believe Whittaker will have similar issues to the first fight getting into range. Adesanya will happily fight from the outside, picking his shots and frustrating Whittaker. Whittaker is one of the most beloved and most well-rounded fighters in the UFC and although I believe will put up a better showing than last time, in the end I believe he starts to get desperate and charges in on Adesanya and once again ultimately gets finished.
Derrick Lewis vs Tai Tuivasa
The way to beat Lewis is honestly quite simple. Use great footwork to pick him apart and constantly work the body. Daniel Cormier dismantled him once and Gane made it look easy last time out. While I love the type of fight Tuivasa brings, I don’t see him fitting the mould to beat Lewis. Much will be made of the leg kicks being instrumental to his game plan but frankly Lewis has never been one to rely on his lateral movement and I don’t see him buckling from the low kicks.
Lewis will patiently wait on the outside for Tuivasa to let fly and in a boxing slug fest the only winner is Lewis. Back Lewis to get the knockout win in front of a roaring home crowd.
Carlos Ulberg vs Fabio Cherant
City Kickboxing’s prodigy Carlos Ulberg faded badly in a war of attrition with Kennedy Nzechukwu in his UFC debut. Although he didn’t lose many fans in that fight, however, as both men walked away with a bonus but it did showcase a glaring hole in his gas tank.
However, in saying that, Ulberg when fresh is one of the most dangerous strikers and his opponent Cherant won’t survive the opening round or two to test if he has improved his cardio. To be brutally honest Cherant is there to give Ulberg a highlight KO so the UFC can push him more and that is exactly what will happen.
Ulberg by Any Stoppage
$1.72
