Predictions for UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori

UFC 263 is scheduled for Saturday night, and the main event between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori should be a great one.

These two went the distance in a three-round bout in April of 2018, which Adesanya won via split decision. What we do know is that Vettori will likely want to win the match on the mat, as Adesanya has yet to even attempt a takedown in a UFC octagon.

And you can even have an interest in the outcome yourself thanks to DraftKings Sportsbook’s $10,000 Adesanya vs. Vettori Pool. It’s free to enter, and those that answer the eight questions about the bout most accurately will walk home winners.

We take a crack at some of the questions below:

Who will win?

Israel Adesanya
Marvin Vettori

Adesanya is the rare champion that’s coming off a loss, as he took a shot at the light heavyweight title against Jan Blachowicz in his last outing in March. Though he came up short there, by going the distance he showed how capable he is even against a much bigger man.

We’ll give The Last Stylebender the edge here, who has owned the 185 lbs. division like no one else.

Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori: Total Rounds

Over 4.5
Under 4.5

Rematch fights rarely go the distance, as the combatants have a better sense of what they’re up against and look to attack more. We think Adesanya stops Vettori, which he might have done if their last bout went five rounds as this one will instead of three.

Who will have more takedowns?

Israel Adesanya
Tie / no takedowns occur
Marvin Vettori

When Izzy gets to one career, we’ll start to believe. But it’s likely Vettori can put him on the canvas at least once.