Joe Pyfer is favored over former champion Israel Adesanya for their UFC Seattle main event on March 28, marking only the second time Adesanya has been an underdog in his UFC career.
Joe Pyfer is stepping into the spotlight as the betting favorite against former champ Israel Adesanya.
On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White announced that these two will clash in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 28. It’s a massive chance for Pyfer to climb the middleweight rankings. When he enters the cage, he’s expected to do so as the favorite.
Earlier today, BetOnline released opening odds, initially setting the fight as a pick’em at -110 each. But, in just a few hours, the money started pouring in for Pyfer, nudging him ahead of "The Last Stylebender."
These odds give Pyfer a 57% win probability, leaving Adesanya with just 47%.
Interestingly, this marks only the second time Adesanya’s been an underdog in his UFC journey. The first was against Robert Whittaker, where he eventually turned the tables to become a favorite by fight night.
However, Adesanya’s on a rough patch, losing three straight, with his last defeat a knockout by Nassourdine Imavov in February.
Pyfer, on the other hand, has never been an underdog in the UFC. The Contender Series alum is riding high on a three-fight win streak, recently submitting Abus Magomedov at UFC 320.
UFC Seattle is set for March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena, with a co-main event featuring a women’s flyweight bout between Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber. Exciting times ahead!