UFC 276 is stacked from top to bottom for International Fight Week. The main card is headlined by two title fights, Adesanya vs. Cannonier and Volkanovski vs. Holloway 3.
Along with those two massive fights, the rest of the card has a mix of UFC legends and upcoming stars. They certainly will put on a show for the fans this weekend.
When: Saturday, July 2
Where: T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas, Nevada
Watch: ESPN+
Adesanya vs. Cannonier Prediction
In this matchup, I see Cannonier taking a lot of chances to finish the champion. He is so confident and willing to be great.
He won’t be intimidated by the aura surrounding Adesanya. He will believe that he can hurt Adesanya and finish him.
This will play perfectly into Adesanya’s game. It’ll let the champion see the shots that he can touch Cannonier with and break him down. This is what happened in the Paulo Costa fight, and we all know how that turned out.
Look for a spectacular performance by Israel Adesanya. One that shows his patience, creativity, and laser point accuracy.
Best Bet: Adesanya wins inside distance +155
Volkanovski vs. Holloway 3 Prediction
In the trilogy fight, it’ll be tough to imagine what else Holloway can do to come away with the win. He will need to be even more urgent early in this one and try to get the job done early. In the second matchup, Holloway started strong, and as the fight went on, Volkanovski stole it from him.
Volkanovski will have great movement. Counter punching, leg kicks, and mix-in takedowns in this one to score well on the judge’s cards. Holloway will need a finish in this one to take his belt back. But… I will never bet against Volkanovski again.
Best Bet: Volkanovski wins by decision +115
Strickland Vs. Pereira Prediction
This matchup is very interesting. A highly ranked contender going against an unranked fighter with only 5 MMA fights under his belt is very odd. But the storyline of Pereira and Adesanya is just too perfect for the UFC to pass up.
But when the stars are aligning perfectly for the UFC, it tends to go the other way. If Strickland puts his ego aside and not be in a kickboxing match, he should be able to get the job done.
Strickland is very solid on the ground. He should be able to take Pereira’s back and choke him out or be dominant in the top position for three rounds.
Pereira will have the advantage with his almost impossible power on the feet. However, he lacks the tools of a complete mixed martial artist at this point of his career. Look for a trip from Strickland and for him to go to work, again, if his ego does not get in the way.
Best Bet: Strickland to win +105
UFC 276 Betting Betting Lines
Israel Adesanya -425 vs Jared Connonier +295
Max Holloway +159 vs. Alexander Volkanovski -200
Sean Strickland +105 vs Alex Pereira -125
Pedro Munhoz +215 vs. Sean O’Malley -280
