Israel Adesanya gives his UFC 306 title fight predictions

https://www.mmaweekly.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjAwNjA5MDY0NTYzMTIzMzA4/israel-adesanya-ufc-293-workouts-03-1600.jpg

12/09/2024 05:07

Just days away from the UFC 306 event at the Sphere in Las Vegas, former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya gave his predictions for the two world title bouts that headline the fight card.

Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley(18-1, 1 NC) puts his title on the line against top contender Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) in the the main event. O'Malley defeated Dvalishvili's training partner, Aljamain Sterling, to capture the title at UFC 292. During the UFC 306 Media Day on Wednesday, Dvalishvili said the fight with O'Malley is 'personal.'

"Aljo couldn't get him down and Aljo trains with Merab. Merab might get him down but Sean will probably get back up. If he doesn't get him down, he's in trouble," Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.

"I think if it's on the feet too long, and Merab can't get him down, he's getting knocked out. But styles make fights. Merab's style is not Aljamain's style. He has a different pace, different energy as well. Different cardio as well," Adesanya continued.

"When you know someone is coming for a takedown constantly, you can find a shot. You can find the shot and Sean can find the shot... I'm going to go Sean by TKO."

In the co-main event, women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso faces former titleholder Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy bout.

"Valentina does so many thing so well, but again, a lot of people have watched her for years to the point where game planning for her can be easier for the other coach if they're smart. If they know what they're doing and so far in two fights Grasso's coaches definitely have," Adesanya said.

"Grasso's a fighter as well. She's shown that. She's able to hang with her and put her in positions that she's rarely ever in. I think the only person I can remember putting Valentina in that kind of trouble was Amanda Nunues," Adesanya continued.

"It looks like Grasso is getting better each time. The first time she finished her. The second time she still got better with the boxing and better with just the way she played the whole game. So, this one I'm going to pick Grasso by decision."