Dricus du Plessis v Israel Adesanya Odds: Former champion favourite

The UFC heads to Perth, Australia as Israel Adesanya bids to become just the second fighter in UFC history to become a three-time champion.

Dricus du Plessis v Israel Adesanya odds

(Odds will display when markets are available)

For so long, Adesanya looked unbeatable at middleweight; his only professional MMA defeat in 24 contests came against the much bigger Jan Blachowicz at light heavyweight.

Then he ran into old adversary Alex Pereira and everything changed. Pereira had two kickboxing wins over Adesanya and would make it three wins in three fights, becoming the first man to beat Adesanya at middleweight in MMA. Adesanya regained his title in the rematch but would fall to a shock defeat, losing by decision to Sean Strickland, and we've not see The Last Stylebender since.

So many top UFC champions struggle to come back from defeats. Ronda Rousey's career was effectively ended by Holly Holm; Anderson Silva's career was effectively ended by Chris Weidman; even Kamaru Usman, who was 20-1, has lost his last two fights since being dethroned by Leon Edwards.

Adesanya did regain his title against Pereira, but having taken an extended break from the UFC, we don't know what Adesanya we'll see on Saturday night. If it's the Adesanya of old, he'll likely join Randy Couture as the only fighters to have won titles three times.

If it's the Adesanya that laboured to a decision loss to Strickland, Dricus du Plessis will likely retain his belt.

And the South African is no pushover, it should be said. He's a UFC champion on merit with seven straight wins since joining the UFC, and only two of his 23 MMA wins have come via decision.

Conversely, Adesanya typically leans on the fact he's better than the vas majority of his opponents and can get away with out-pointing people over five rounds.

If Adesanya wins, it will likely be over five rounds; if du Plessis wins, it will likely be inside the distance.

Whatever happens, we've got a pick'em title fight coming on Saturday night.

Liam Williams

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