The UFC goes down under this Saturday, and we’ll witness a middleweight championship bout in the main event when Israel Adesanya defends his crown versus the highly controversial Sean Strickland.
Octagon behemoths Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov exchange leather in the co-main event, both of whom are vying for heavyweight rankings supremacy.
Let’s waste no more time and dive into the most noteworthy betting picks for the UFC 293 main and co-main event.
Picks Summary
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
UFC 293 Middleweight Championship Bout
Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 09:00 PM EDT at the Qudos Bank Arena
As one of the most formidable middleweight competitors since the Anderson Silva era, it’s no surprise that Israel Adesanya (24-2-0 pro-MMA) enters UFC 293 this weekend as one of the largest-priced betting favorites on the card.
Adesanya is the first two-time UFC Middleweight champion in the company’s history, and with the second-most title fight wins (8), he’s gradually built a legacy that could exceed the achievements of every fighter that’s 1t 185lbs that’s come before him.
Izzy’s weekend opposition, Sean Strickland (27-5-0), is famed for his controversial takes and comedic attitude outside of the cage. But don’t be mistaken, once the octagon door is closed, a 14-5 promotional record has been collected with an elite set of skills.
Adesanya vs. Strickland: Fight Tape Analysis
It’s often highlighted how Strickland possesses an underrated ground game that we aren’t used to seeing because he loves to strike. However, for this upcoming bout, it isn’t easy to envision any path to victory for the championship challenger outside of a grappling game plan.
This approach, however, is a lot easier to suggest than accomplish. Adesanya isn’t just one of the most technical and precise kickboxers in the company’s history, but he’s also made life incredibly difficult for those attempting to utilize a wrestling offense.
UFC 293 Main Event Odds & Prediction
The UFC odds at the top sportsbooks have Adesanya as a significant betting favorite, which isn’t surprising.
Adesanya will pick Strickland apart from the outside with perfect precision, footwork, and head movement. By nature, the American is a pressure fighter, which will cost him dearly. Reading the faints and oncoming strikes from Izzy won’t be easy, thus making a KO/TKO prop a perfect betting approach to keep clear of a juiced moneyline.
UFC Pick: Adesanya by KO/TKO or Submission (-105) [1.05u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov
UFC 293 Heavyweight Co-Main Event
Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 09:00 PM EDT at the Qudos Bank Arena
One-punch KO-power with a sensational highlight reel matched with satire and drinking beer from a shoe in his post-fight celebrations make Tai Tuivasa (12-3-0) one of the most beloved by MMA fans.
Unfortunately, since reaching the top 10 of the heavyweight division, Tuivasa’s riding a losing streak for the first time since 2019. But does he have enough to snap this trend versus the well-experienced and ever-technical Alexander Volkov?
Volkov (36-10-0) has been a true gatekeeper of the heavyweight division. More often than not, if an up-and-coming contender cannot overcome the 6’7” Russian, they aren’t ready to compete against the heavyweight elites.
Tuivasa vs. Volkov: Fight Tape Analysis
With 14 UFC bouts collected on his record since joining the UFC in 2016, Volkov has always displayed a versatile skill set with a high fight intelligence and minimal flaws. With 5 of his previous 7 UFC bouts ending inside the distance, it’s been a finish-or-be-finished attitude of the Russian of late.
Matched to Tuivasa at UFC 293, a similarity regarding the finish or be-finished attitude can be applied. The Australian has gone the distance in just 1 of his 13 UFC bouts, and six contests notably ended in round 1.
Looking to the side for this upcoming contest is difficult. While I believe Volkov is the more talented mixed martial artist, the boxing combinations, speed, and power of Tuivasa make him a dangerous outing for anyone.
UFC 293 Co-Main Event Odds & Prediction
The UFC prices at OddsTrader have placed Volkov as the betting favorite, but as I previously highlighted, Tuivasa is a dog with KO power you cannot underestimate.
I believe the under 2.5 rounds on this contest is one of the safest wagers at UFC 293. Tuivasa won’t have the cardio to survive 15 minutes with Volkov, but at the same time, he’s incredibly live for a knockout victory in the first 10 minutes.
UFC Pick: Under 2.5 Rounds (-250) [2.50u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
