Despite no longer holding the UFC middleweight title, Israel Adesanya is still favored to win in a potential fight against new champion Dricus du Plessis.
Israel Adesanya might’ve lost his UFC middleweight title. But, he’s still the favorite to win against the new champ, Dricus du Plessis.
Du Plessis just won the 185-pound title this past Saturday at UFC 297. He beat Sean Strickland by a hair. Right after, he called out Adesanya for a fight that’s been in the making since last September.
Du Plessis is undefeated in the UFC, sure. But Adesanya? He’s one of the most dominant champs in recent memory. That’s why Sportsbetting.ag has him as a slight favorite if he goes up against du Plessis.
Here’s the opening odds for the fight:
Dricus Du Plessis -105
Israel Adesanya -115
Based on these odds, you’d have to bet $115 on Adesanya to win $100. Bet $100 on du Plessis and you could win $105. He’s the underdog, after all.
The line’s incredibly close, though. A few bets could easily flip the fighters’ places by the time they step into the octagon.
These odds are a far cry from the previous betting lines. Back when du Plessis became the No. 1 contender after beating former champ Robert Whittaker, Adesanya was a -330 favorite. Du Plessis was a +270 underdog.
But then, Adesanya lost to Strickland in a shocking upset. And du Plessis claimed the middleweight title. So, the odds are a lot closer this time.
The UFC hasn’t said for sure if Adesanya vs. du Plessis is happening next. But it’s a match that would draw a lot of attention. Especially with the bad blood that’s been brewing between these two for the past year.