UFC 263 Preview: Betting Odds, Picks, Predictions

The UFC heads back to Glendale, Arizona, for their upcoming 263 event. The main attraction is the main event that features a rematch between middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori. 

You can check out the action live on pay per view on Saturday, June 12, at 10 p.m. EST.

Event Breakdown

Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori exchanged shots the first time in 2018, interestingly enough, in the same venue as before. Adesanya came away with a split decision, but fans argued that he should have won unanimously.

Adesanya recently took a stab at the light heavyweight division and a battle with Jan Blachowicz. Even though he came up short in his attempt at becoming a two-division weight champion, he still remains one of the most dominant middleweight fighters we have seen.

Vettori appears dangerous and an appealing betting option this time around for a few reasons. First, he has won five straight fights since his loss to Adesanya and looked better every time.

Second, Blachowicz took care of Adesanya with a lot of wrestling. Even though it was a different weight class to deal with, Adesanya was vulnerable to the intense grappling.

Vettori recently put up 11 takedowns in his win against Kevin Holland. He could look to do the same here and cause Adesanya to battle on the ground more often.

This strategy, in theory, sounds like it could’ve good news for Vettori. In fact, he has an advantage in this fight in that regard if he can ever control the pace and the ground early.

However, he is also taking on one of the best middleweight fighters we have ever seen. Derek Brunson tried to take Adesanya to the ground often, but Adesanya was still able to make the fight stand and come away with the victory.

Odds For Main Event

The market shows Adesanya favored to win again. betJACK has the moneyline currently placed at:

Adesanya: (-250)

Vettori: (+200)

*odds are subject to changes

Main Event Pick

If bettors have learned anything with Adesanya over the years, it is one thing, bet on him with a middleweight battle. You do not become this successful overnight, and it shows.

Yes, Vettori has remarkably good traits and could potentially become the champion one day. He is going to need to fight perfectly here, with a great balance of striking and a dominant ground game.

However, Vettori has improved, but you could argue not enough for this fight. When on his feet and striking, he sometimes leaves his head vulnerable and lacks exceptional footwork.

Against Adesanya, he is going to have to move gracefully. Adesanya is also one of the sport’s best kickboxers and top strikers.

After taking all of the possibilities into account, there are a few different outcomes. Vettori definitely has a chance here if he has improved on his striking and is able to wear down Adesanya with his aggressive takedowns. But you should expect the champ to come out and get back on track in “his” division with a decision victory. 

Pick: Israel Adesanya (-250)

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