By Anthony Longo Jr.
With UFC 305 approaching, excitement continues to build for some exciting matchups. This event promises action-packed fights with potential upsets and dominant performances. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the fighters expected to win, focusing on critical factors and the latest betting odds.
Dricus Du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya
Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis
Betting odds: Dricus Du Plessis +110 (underdog) vs. Israel Adesanya -130 (favorite)
Analysis: Dricus Du Plessis comes into this fight with a significant physical advantage, particularly in terms of size and power. His wrestling ability could be key to victory, as Adesanya has struggled against fighters who can effectively set up takedowns and control the pace on the ground. Du Plessis should employ a similar strategy to Belal Muhammad against Leon Edwards, using his wrestling to neutralize Adesanya’s strikes. While Adesanya is known for his excellent stand-up game, Du Plessis’ versatility and adaptability could result in an upset, especially if the fight turns into a grappling contest.
Du Plessis’ relentless pace and stamina will be crucial as he tries to drag Adesanya into deep waters and wear him down. With his wide frame and powerful takedowns, Du Plessis could find success by moving the fight to the ground, where he can dominate with ground-and-pound or evade submission. If Du Plessis can evade Adesanya’s pinpoint precision and keep the fight at close range, he has a good chance of pulling out a win and shaking up the middleweight division.
Steve Erceg vs. Kai Kara-France
Prediction: Steve Erceg
Betting odds: Steve Erceg -170 (favorite) vs. Kai Kara-France +142 (underdog)
Analysis: Steve Erceg is ready to outwork Kai Kara-France with his versatile skill set. Kara-France is a dangerous striker with knockout power, but Erceg’s ability to mix up grappling and control the pace of the fight gives him the edge. Erceg’s game plan should minimize striking opportunities by keeping the fight at a distance and incorporating takedowns when necessary.
Erceg’s versatility will be crucial, as he can switch between striking and grappling to keep Kara-France guessing. His ability to adjust throughout the fight could neutralize Kara-France’s power and lead to a late finish or a dominant point victory. Erceg’s stamina and fight IQ are also crucial, as they allow him to maintain a high tempo and capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes.
Mateusz Gamrot vs Dan Hooker
Forecast: Mateusz Gamrot
Betting odds: Mateusz Gamrot -325 (favorite) vs. Dan Hooker +260 (underdog)
Analysis: Mateusz Gamrot’s grappling and relentless pressure make him the clear favorite against Dan Hooker. Gamrot is known for his ability to dictate the tempo of a fight by controlling his opponents with his grappling and earning victories. Hooker, a skilled striker, will need to keep the fight standing to have a chance, but Gamrot’s grappling likely makes that a difficult task.
Gamrot’s path to victory is to close the distance early, score takedowns, and maintain full control. His ground-and-pound is effective, and he has a knack for scoring submissions when his opponents are tired. If Gamrot can avoid Hooker’s long-range strikes and engage in grappling, he will likely dominate the fight and potentially score a victory by submission.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Tai Tuivasa
Forecast: Tai Tuivasa
Betting odds: Tai Tuivasa +185 (underdog) vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik -225 (favorite)
Analysis: Tai Tuivasa’s aggressive fighting style and knockout power make him a formidable underdog against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Both fighters are known for their ability to finish fights with one punch, but Tuivasa’s willingness to engage in close combat could make the difference. Rozenstruik has shown weaknesses under pressure, and Tuivasa’s relentless forward movement could exploit those weaknesses.
Tuivasa’s key to victory lies in his ability to close the distance and force Rozenstruik into engagements where Tuivasa’s power comes into play. By cutting off the Octagon and forcing Rozenstruik into the cage, Tuivasa could land the fight-winning punches he’s known for. Given the explosive nature of both fighters, this fight likely won’t go the full distance, and Tuivasa’s pressure could lead to a spectacular knockout victory.
Carlos Prates vs Li Jingliang
Prediction: Li Jingliang
Betting odds: Li Jingliang +270 (underdog) vs. Carlos Prates -340 (favorite)
Analysis: Li Jingliang is a true underdog with the potential to cause an upset against Carlos Prates. Jingliang can withstand pressure and deliver fight-winning blows as he is known for his toughness and powerful strikes. Prates is known for his versatile skills, but Jingliang’s experience and stamina make him a dangerous opponent, especially if he can dictate the pace and keep the fight standing.
Jingliang’s strategy will likely be to use his footwork to evade Prates’ takedown attempts and find opportunities to land his powerful right hand. If Jingliang can use his jab early and disrupt Prates’ rhythm, he has a good chance of a knockout or a points win. His durability and ability to take damage while fighting back should be considered in this matchup.
UFC 305 is shaping up to be an event with potential upsets and exciting performances. Dricus Du Plessis, Mateusz Gamrot, Li Jingliang, Tai Tuivasa and Steve Erceg are the fighters to keep an eye on, as each brings a unique skill set to their fights. Whether you’re betting on the favorites or backing the underdogs, these predictions offer a comprehensive look at who could emerge victorious.
