UFC 263: Adesanya vs Vettori 2

UFC 263 Live Stream

Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori 2

Anton Tabuena: Both men improved significantly since their first meeting in 2018, but I think it’s still going to have the same outcome. I think Vettori can make the bout ugly and control Adesanya by the fence to avoid and lessen the amount of striking exchanges, but I still don’t think that wins him the fight, especially going five rounds. It might not end up as the most entertaining contest, but I think Adesanya will be able to defend takedowns really well for the most part, and I believe he’ll also be too slick on the feet. I can see him catching Vettori eventually as takedown attempts and clinch entries become more desperate, but I’m going to pick Israel Adesanya by decision.

 

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno 2

Anton Tabuena: It’s a rematch from an extremely close bout, where both should already be very familiar with what each other brings, so I think it’s just more logical to pick the more potent finisher. It should be fun and entertaining either way, but I think Figuereido just has more avenues to victory, while Moreno might have to go through another grueling 25 minutes, and survive those bombs to win the belt. Deiveson Figueiredo by TKO.

 

Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz

Anton Tabuena: This is really interesting to me, because Edwards seems to be the exact type of ninja opponent that Diaz has always wanted, especially in a five round fight. He may be a big, true welterweight, but he doesn’t (normally) rely on wrestling and physicality to ragdoll and overwhelm opponents with strength. He’s a slick striker that (normally) prefers to utilize distance and technique rather than just relying on KO power to brutalize opponents early. He (normally) prefers body kicks to leg kicks. And he (normally) isn’t an explosive fast starter, and tends to get in a groove as the fight progresses. That’s exactly what Diaz has always asked for, but I think Edwards is just so much better and more technical in all those areas, that even if he didn’t switch things up and basically played to Diaz’s strengths, he’d still be the favorite. He also of course has all the skills to adjust and make things easier on him to pick apart Diaz’s predictable approach. Given all of that, can Diaz still impose his will like he did with Pettis and Cerrone? Can he pressure Edwards to the fence, make him brawl on his own terms and slowly break him down? Can he pull off another massive McGregor-like upset and prove he’s still elite at 36? I kinda doubt it, but because it’s Diaz, I’m still intrigued and really looking forward to seeing it all unfold. Leon Edwards by TKO.

 

Demian Maia vs. Belal Muhammad

Anton Tabuena: I wouldn’t hesitate to pick Maia if this happened a few years back, but now I’m just not so sure anymore. While losing to Burns isn’t anything to be ashamed of (and a really bad match up), Maia is already 43. He’s obviously not in the peak of his career, but if Belal willingly has exchanges with him on the ground, it could still be a competitive fight. Ah, f—k it, I already went with my head on my Diaz-Edwards pick, so I’m going with my heart here. Demian Maia by Submission.

 

MARVIN VETTORI vs ISRAEL ADESANYA 2 live stream