On September 26th, UFC 253 will hit PPV with one of the most interesting main events we’ve seen in some time. The middleweight title will be on the line as two undefeated forces collide. Israel Adesanya, 19-0, the champion, an incredible striker with both his hands and feet, will defend against Paulo Costa, 13-0, will be there to exchange blows and use his strength to take the title that he wants so badly.
Currently, Paulo Costa remains the betting underdog, his moneyline odds are (-135) where as the favorite Israel Adesanya (-165). Despite the odds, Costa is a live dog and is coming into this one with a full head of steam and an undefeated record and it’s been said that the toughest person to beat is a person that has never lost. Knowing how moneyline odds operate is essential for all sports betting, which is why we’ve an image below to a guide on that topic.
In his last fight, Costa showed some versatility, adjusting to get a decision win over Yoel Romero. Romera was known for his punching power and endurance and Costa was able to stand up to it and overcome to take the decision win. Prior to that, Costa was coming off of four knockout victories over very good opposition. Make no mistake, he is facing the biggest test of his career, but his power and strength in the ring will be something to be dealt with by the defending champion.
For the champ, he is bringing in experience and confidence. Adesanya has made a lot of fans with his antics in the cage. In the midst of battle, it’s not uncommon for the champion to play to the crowd and play to his opposition. Costa will have to deal with the psychological games that will be played as much as the striking that will be coming his way. This will be a game decided in the cage both mentally and physically.
Backing up the main event will be light heavyweight southpaw, Dominick Reyes, 12-1, taking on Jan Blachowicz, 26-8. Reyes is coming off his only defeat against one of the best fighters mixed martial arts has ever seen, Jon Jones. Reyes brings a thundering left cross and some ground game to prove to be a threat in many forms.
The man known as the “Iron Bear” is a truth machine. Reyes is favored to win, but Blachowicz is intimidating and will be pressing forward, looking to break down his opponent and get the upset win. Blachowicz is an imposing force and with both men weighing in about 200 pounds, anything can happen when that opening bell rings.
In another interesting bout, Kai Kara-France, 21-8, will take on Brandon Royval, 11-4, in a flyweight battle. Kara-France has an amazing right hand and will immediately try to make it the deciding factor in the fight. Royval will bring his ground game and should the fight take place on the floor, expect him to win, but he will be walking through a minefield getting the match to that point. This could be a lot of fun.
The UFC continues to be the biggest thing in combat sports and has a competitive night of fights with plenty of drama to be put on display and probably a shocking quick KO somewhere along the way, considering all the heavy strikers involved. This is a night not to be missed.
