UFC 243 Odds: Explosive Battle Between Strikers For Middleweight Title

The battle of New Zealand breaks into Australia as UFC 243 returns to Melbourne with a blockbuster main event featuring spectacular strikers Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

Here are the two main event fighters and their full UFC 243 betting odds:

• Robert Whittaker – 1.72
• Israel Adesanya – 2.10

The Kiwis duke it out for middleweight supremacy as the champion, Whittaker fights Adesanya, the interim champ. Other Aussie and Kiwi action fighters litter the main card in what will be an explosive event. We break down the main event with our UFC odds preview.

UFC 243 Quick Betting Facts:

• Whittaker is 3-1 in his last four fights when opening as a favourite
• Adesanya opens as an underdog for the first time
• Four of Whittaker's last six fights have gone to a decision
• Four of Adesanya's last five fights have gone to a decision
• Main event fighters who opened as favourites are only 5-5 (50%) in their last 10

UFC Odds: Main Event Betting Preview

As the UFC odds indicate, the battle between both champions will be close one. Both Whittaker and Adesanya are New Zealanders, world-class strikers, and unbeaten in their division. There will be plenty of mutual respect here and fans should be cautious in anticipating a full-out slugfest. 

Instead, this will be a highly technical back-and-forth contest. This is martial arts, mainly Muay Thai, at its highest level. Let's break down this UFC middleweight championship bout from Melbourne.

Robert Whittaker (C) vs Israel Adesanya (IC)

Whittaker enters this contest as a slight favourite, a position he is not too often found in. He was the underdog three of his last four bouts. The champion is getting a little bit more respect as the bookies expect him to win due to his experience and a proven championship pedigree.

Adesanya, on the flip side, will enter as an underdog for the first time ever. The kickboxing phenom has won in almost every level and has outstruck upper echelon fighters like Kelvin Gastelum and Anderson Silva. But he is still relatively new and has not endured the same level of competition as Whittaker. 

Even though they are both strikers, there is a solid possibility that Whittaker wrestles Adesanya. He has not used this skillset of his much, but he is more than just a striker. Adesanya has shown some vulnerability to grappling in the past. 

If Whittaker can successfully blend his wrestling with his striking, he would increase his chances of success. Adesanya will open up anticipating takedowns. But Whittaker stands toe-to-toe with Adesanya, he will get starched. 

As good as Whittaker is on his feet, "The Last Stylebender" just moves more fluidly. Additionally, Adesanya has a significant reach advantage and has much more experience in a Muay Thai contest. 

Whittaker might put together a complete MMA gameplan, but Adesanya will land the more significant strikes and will do enough to eke out a close decision.

Pick: Israel Adesanya via Decision

UFC 243 Odds: Must-Watch Fights

Not far from the main event, UFC 243 odds reveal a well-contested event. Like UFC 242, the card is tailored towards the hometown fans with Aussie and Kiwi fighters filling almost all of the fights. It's hard to choose, but we picked the fights you won't want to miss.

Al Iaquinta vs Dan Hooker

This will be a good ol' slobber-knocker and a sharp contrast to the main event. Iaquinta and Hooker are both high-level MMA fighters and can get technical but are or more willing to throw down. They are both aggressive and have iron chins ensuring that this scrap will go a long way with plenty of action.

With the winner of this bout potentially moving on to a feature bout, the stakes are high. Expect both Iaquinta and Hooker to "stand and bang" at some point and win the coveted "Fight of the Night" award.

Luke Jumeau vs Dhiego Lima

This match is almost like oil versus water as the contrast in temperament between Jumeau and Lima is staggering. Jumeau, the hometown hero, is aggressive and sometimes reckless. He is competent on both his feet and the mat but prefers to win the crowd over with his striking flurries. 

Lima is a much more measured fighter. While Lima won't likely engage Jumeau in his brawl attempts, he still packs power in his punches. The only downside is his durability: he can't take too many hits. Add all these elements and you have a good chance of a spectacular finish.

Justin Tafa vs Yorgan De Castro

Justin who? Yorgan what? Once in a while, a pair of unknowns steal the show. Either one of these guys could do it. Tafa and De Castro are rumbling heavyweights who have some speck of potential to them. Both fighters not only have heavy hands but a willingness to take the fight anywhere.

This fight won't see the judges' scorecards and expect someone here being in the running for a "Performance of the Night" award.

How to Win at UFC Betting Odds

If you want to win at UFC betting odds, you will have to find the best sportsbooks first. You can do all the research in the world, but if you're not betting with the right bookie, it's all for nought. Finding the right book not only offers you lucrative sign-up deals but also the right promotion and UFC odds and markets.

We recommend books like Sports Interaction as your main books for MMA and combat sports. 

Category : Online Betting News

Tag : bet on ufc , mma odds , ufc betting , UFC Odds

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