Prediction for the fight Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has undergone mental healing and is ready to return to the golden throne. However, standing in his way is the new title holder, Dricus Du Plessis, with whom he is in a heated debate over who is the real African king. At UFC 305 in Australia, at the Rac Arena, on August 18, they will have the opportunity to find out, and we will assess the chances of the elite fighters of the major league to triumph. 

• Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya;
• Cory Sandhagen;
• Umar Nurmagomedov;
• Comparative analysis;
• Game Totals Prediction.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

Dricus Du Plessis

On the eve of his comeback, the "Lord of Styles" occupies the 2nd line of the rating. Adesanya's waist was adorned with MMA belts of the AFC, HFS and UFC leagues, he is the "Best Fighter of the Year 2019" according to many publications, a successful kickboxer in the past, with 75 fights under his belt, and even a professional boxer, with a record of 5-1. Now, Israel plans to break into the elite of his category again, and become the UFC champion for the third time. 

Strengths

Izzy is an elite striker who prefers to fight at mid-to-long range. He actively uses kicks, drying out his calves and body, and skillfully meets the opposition with single punches from afar, or his signature series of hooks when they come closer. At the same time, Adesanya has good takedown defense. 

Weaknesses

It seems that Israel has lost his sporting aggression, he takes too long to get into fights, and when his opponent is already warmed up, he simply does not have time to turn the tide of the match. It has become increasingly difficult for him to neutralize the pressure, there is noticeably less footwork, and such a passive position does not allow him to reveal his striking power. 

The current form and readiness of the fighter

It seems that Israel has lost his sporting aggression, he takes too long to get into fights, and when his opponent is already warmed up, he simply does not have time to turn the tide of the match. It has become increasingly difficult for him to neutralize the pressure, there is noticeably less footwork, and such a passive position does not allow him to reveal his striking power. 

Israel Adesanya

"Maverick," the winner of TUF Season 15, a brown belt in BJJ, and a former wrestler who competes in high school competitions. Michael did not win any high-profile titles in MMA, but he received some media exposure, as he surpassed guys like Beneil Darius, Rafael dos Anjos, Neil Magni and Carlos Condit - big stars shining at different times. 

Strengths

Chiesa's all early victories in his career are submissions, he held them exactly 10 times. On the ground, he is really good, he changes positions and techniques quite quickly, and also quite effectively and often carries out takedowns, working exclusively at medium-close distance. 

Weaknesses

The paradox is that most often Michael lost with techniques, since everything is quite bad with his defense, and in the rack, he manages to compete with the strikers with a creak, especially if they put pressure on him, and not him. Now, the American has completely lost much of what he has gained due to age-related changes. 

The current form and readiness of the fighter

Chiesa is 36 years old, he has lost three last fights, and has not competed for more than a year. He was defeated by Vicente Luque, Sean Brady and Kevin Holland, although before that, Maverick was fighting well, even if they had not won ahead of schedule since 2018. Now Michael's condition is more than enough to compete with veterans like himself, but this guy will not be enough for something more, and no one will hold his place in the division, given the low media coverage. 

Comparative analysis

Adesanya will be significantly taller than Drikus – by 7.5 cm, and longer in arm reach – by a good 10 cm. Considering the standard game plan of both, this is a big plus for Israel, because he must circle around the opponent, wait for his actions and stop him with kicks, firing right straights and moving away from the line of attack.

But Du Plessis should not compete with "Stylebender" in his striking talents, since his defense will allow him to smash the face of the title holder in the first round. Therefore: pressure, transfers, exhausting clinches and wrestling - this is what the champion's winning plan for the fight should be built on. And a lot will depend on how quickly Izzy gets going. If he continues to work in the same mode, he won't see victory, but the promises of the Australian-Nigerian inspire hope. 

So, if Israel keeps his distance, hits Drikus' legs and body, slowing him down, and then switches to the top floor, the South African's "colander defense" will fail. But with the zeal, along with the strong head, with which he forces himself to move forward, there is a high probability of seeing a lot of clinches and a protracted fight Total over (3.5) 
Adesanya's unstable psyche, his past failures and Du Plessis' more versatile technique force the scales to be tipped in his favor, but with nuances. 

Dricus Du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya Prediction

There is no point in talking about the total superiority of one of the sides: Drikus has more than enough minuses that Israel can play on and, moreover, even knock him out. But how can you predict anything if Izzy is simply unstable and can burn out when going out to fight? Let's write down his performance at his home arena, where he usually shines, and a long vacation, which is supposed to reboot the ex-champion. Most likely, the cast-iron head of "Steelknox" will withstand the damage received, and the meeting will drag on, and in the championship rounds, the fate of the winner will be decided. Therefore, the fight will pass the equator, after which the battle of characters will begin. Download 1xbet to your phone and place a bet on the favorite!

Prediction: Total Over (2.5-3.5) by completed rounds