The highly anticipated showdown between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis is set for Sunday, 18th August, promising to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable middleweights. The fight will be at the RAC Arena in Australia; it is expected to be packed to the rafters, with all 15,000 plus seats booked, with fans on either camp ready to cheer, and bet, on their fighter.
Both fighters have carved out impressive careers in the UFC, and this bout is expected to be a clash of styles, skills, and strategies. As the fight approaches, let’s take a closer look at how these two fighters compare in various aspects of their game.
Fighting Styles and Strengths
Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” is celebrated for his striking prowess and versatility. He is touted to go all the way by most bookmakers in our guide to Florida online sports betting sites, where boxing is increasingly popular, with odds of -142. With a background in kickboxing, Adesanya boasts an impressive array of striking techniques, combining precision with power. His ability to switch stances and deliver unpredictable strikes has made him a nightmare for opponents. Adesanya’s striking accuracy, combined with his reach advantage and footwork, allows him to dictate the pace of the fight and keep his adversaries at bay. He has also developed a solid takedown defense, which has been crucial in maintaining his dominance in the middleweight division.
On the other hand, Dricus du Plessis, also known as “Stillknocks,” brings a different set of skills to the octagon. Du Plessis is a well-rounded fighter with a background in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu but comes into this fight as the underdog with odds of +120 on most sites. He possesses knockout power in his hands and legs, making him a threat both on the feet and on the ground. Du Plessis has shown resilience and adaptability in his fights, often finding ways to secure victories through his aggressive style and submission skills. His ability to transition between striking and grappling seamlessly makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Records and Achievements
Israel Adesanya’s record speaks for itself. With numerous victories against top-tier opponents, he has established himself as one of the best middleweights in UFC history. Adesanya’s notable wins include victories over Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori. One of the few times he was found wanting was when he moved up to the light heavyweight division to challenge Jan Blachowicz and lost. Despite this setback, Adesanya’s middleweight reign has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his dominance and skill.
Dricus du Plessis, while not as decorated as Adesanya, has also made a significant impact in the UFC. With a strong record, du Plessis has proven his mettle against tough opponents. His victories in the UFC, including notable wins over fighters like Trevin Giles and Markus Perez, have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level. Du Plessis’s rise in the middleweight division has been marked by his relentless fighting style and his ability to finish fights, either by knockout or submission.
Physical Attributes
Physically, both fighters present unique challenges to each other. Israel Adesanya stands at 6’4″ with an 80-inch reach, giving him a significant reach advantage over most of his opponents. His lanky frame and agility allow him to move in and out of striking range with ease, making it difficult for adversaries to land clean shots. Adesanya’s reach and height advantage enables him to control the distance and pick his opponents apart from the outside.
Dricus du Plessis, while slightly shorter at 6’1″, possesses a powerful and compact build. His physicality allows him to close the distance quickly and engage in close-quarters combat. Du Plessis’s strength and explosiveness make him a formidable grappler, capable of taking opponents down and working for submissions. His ability to generate power in his strikes and his relentless pressure can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and force them into uncomfortable positions.
Conclusion
As the fight between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a clash of styles and skills that promises to deliver excitement and drama. Adesanya’s striking prowess and championship experience will be pitted against du Plessis’s well-rounded game and relentless aggression. With both fighters bringing unique attributes to the octagon, the outcome of this bout is far from certain. Whether Adesanya’s precision striking will prevail or du Plessis’s pressure will prove too much to handle, one thing is for sure – this fight has all the ingredients to be a memorable encounter in the middleweight division.