UFC 253 Preview and odds, Adesanya vs. Costa
Middleweight gold is the prize when champion Israel Adesanya defends against Paulo Costa Saturday at UFC 253. While each fighter stands unbeaten, Vegas favors Adesanya slightly at -165. Those odds align with the Last Stylebender’s 8-0 UFC record which feature an elite title-winning effort vs. Robert Whitaker and recent technical dominance against Yoel Romero. Frankly, since debuting alongside the world's top MMA names, Adesanya has exhibited transcendent ability.
Meanwhile, at 29, Brazilian Jui Jitsu black belt Costa (+150) earned his stripes by knocking opponents unconscious. Rather than try the mat, “The Eraser” strikes hard boastingeleven TKO’s and a middleweight best 8.83 lands per minute through five Octagon appearances. Costa owns consecutive wins over Romero and Uriah Hall -the latter in blowout fashion.
In turn, 31-year-old Adesanya adds 3.96 significant lands per minute behind well blended kickboxing, boxing and Muay Thai. Costa has submission nuance, but neither man has attempted an Octagon takedown. The oddsmaking parity reveals potential Fight of the Year for Saturday's five-round main event.
And while each world class middleweight enjoys acclaimed standup, eight inches of Adesanya reach edge looms heavy. The work needed to retain is paved by effective range for the defending champion. Against his saavy, powerful foe, "Izzy" just needs quick jabs and threatening kicks as Costa faces constant danger to close distance and land. That factor, plus tight defense, make the latest 185 pound showcase a deceptively easy nod toward Israel Adesanya.
The Pick: Though Costa employs bruising technicality and walks around well over 200 pounds, his only real chance Saturday is flash knockout. To a man, Adesanya has technique, experience and the detailed length advantage versus his upcoming challenge. Expect five exciting rounds to cap UFC 253 with the champ retaining.
The Winner: Israel Adesanya by decision in a matchup much closer on paper than real time.
Odds courtesy of BestFightOdds
