Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: A Championship Battle of Kickboxing Titans
In the highly anticipated UFC Middleweight championship bout, Dricus du Plessis defends his title against former champ Israel Adesanya in Perth. The clash promises to be brimming with potential for a knockout.
Key Takeaways
Event Date and Time: Sunday, August 18, 2024, ~1:00 a.m. ET
Location: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
How to Watch: NBC
Fighters: Dricus du Plessis (current champion) vs. Israel Adesanya (former champion)
Prediction: Israel Adesanya is favoured to win
The UFC Middleweight division is set to explode with action in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 18, as the defending champion, Dricus du Plessis, squares off against the formidable Israel Adesanya at Perth’s RAC Arena. Both fighters bring an exceptional kickboxing pedigree to the Octagon, raising expectations for a knockout finish that fans won’t want to miss. Here’s a closer look at what we can expect from this electrifying match-up.
Betting Odds and Fan Expectations
Moneyline Odds: Dircus du Plessis +110 | Israel Adesanya -130
These odds point to a tightly contested battle, with Adesanya slightly favored to reclaim his throne. The betting lines suggest that fans and oddsmakers alike are bracing for a memorable fight.
Duel of Titans: Analyzing the Fighters
Dricus du Plessis: The Defending Champion
- Overall Record: 21-2
- UFC Record: 7-0 since joining in 2020
- Notable: Out of his UFC victories, five were finishes, and nearly 50% of his career wins have come by submission.
Despite being known for his kickboxing, du Plessis shocked many by taking down Sean Strickland with his grappling to capture the Middleweight championship. This achievement underscores his versatile skill set.
Israel Adesanya: The Challenger
- Overall Record: 24-3
- Achievements: 16 wins by KO/TKO, former UFC Middleweight Champion
- Adesanya is celebrated as possibly the best kickboxer in the UFC, with a loss history that includes only high-stakes fights, underscoring his elite level.
After a surprise loss to Strickland, which Adesanya attributes to underestimation, he’s been on a focused path to redemption, signaling a highly motivated fighter entering the Octagon this August.
Prediction: A Fight to Remember
Based on their strengths, this fight has all the ingredients for an epic standoff.
Du Plessis has repeatedly proved his ability to finish fights on his feet and on the ground. Conversely, Adesanya is a striking genius who rarely finds a match in kickboxing skills within the division.
Israel Adesanya is seen as the fighter with the edge, primarily due to his unparalleled striking ability. If he can keep the fight standing and deploy his kickboxing prowess effectively, he stands a very good chance of dethroning du Plessis.
The stage is set for a thrilling confrontation where strategy, skill, and heart will determine the new (or retaining) UFC Middleweight Champion. Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect to witness a battle deserving of the history books. Will Adesanya reclaim his title, or will du Plessis reinforce his dominance?
Perth awaits the answer.
Max is our resident sports betting expert. He brings over 15 years of experience as a sports betting authority to AusCasinos, giving readers the latest sports odds info and details of you to bet safely.
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