UFC 253: Adesanya vs Costa Odds & Preview

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UFC goes back to the Middle East this weekend, as UFC 253 will emanate from the Flash Forum on Yas Island, in the United Arab Emirates. Technically, the event takes place on September 27, but since there can be no fans in attendance, the timing of the event will be suitable for viewers in the U.S. The main card is set for 6 am Gulf Standard time, or 10 pm Eastern time, with the early card starting at 2:30 am Gulf Standard time, or 6:30 pm Eastern time. The main event pits two undefeated pugilists as champion Israel Adesanya will try to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship against Paulo Acosta. The co-headliner is also a title bout, as Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz will fight for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

We have the full fight card for you as well as MMA betting thoughts on the key tilts.

UFC 253: Adesanya vs Costa (September 27)

Israel Adesanya (19-0, -170) vs Paulo Costa (13-0, +150) features a champion who really has dominated the UFC middleweight class. It only took him a year and a half from entering UFC to becoming the biggest middleweight name. In his debut against Rob Wilkinson, he initially struggled against Wilkinson’s wrestling game before using his athleticism to slip the grapple and turn the fight his way. His title fight came against Robert Whittaker, finishing him near the midpoint of the second round, defending against Yoel Romero on the cards.

His second defense comes against Costa, a contender in UFC after only five fights. His approach involves bullying his opponent until he gts the response that he wants. He finished Garreth McLellan, Oluwale Bamgbose and Johnny Hdnricks in succession, and as the talent in his opposition increased, so did his resolve to control the fight. He also fought Romero but took on a more aggressive approach, taking the fight to Romero and, while eating some bombs, delivering enough blows of his own to win via decision. Costa’s approach is less subtle than Adesanya’s, but he has shown the will to absorb the consequences of a more aggressive tactic and keep delivering points. Expect a war, but expect Adesanya to absorb the damage and outpoint his opponent — and retain the belt.

Final Prediction:
Adesanya wins via decision

Dominick Reyes (12-1, -260) vs Jan Blachowicz (26-8, +220) is a bout that will replace Jon Jones as the UFC Light HEavyweight champ. Some view Reyes should already be the champion anyway. He came into UFC after his NFL aspirations went unfulfilled. He earned his nickname (“The Devastator”) because of his finishes in regional fighting, and he started in UFC with three quick stoppages as well. He earned a title shot against Jones, losing on the cards in controversial fashion but still establishing himself as one of the top fighters in the division.

Blachowicz has won seven out of eight bouts after almost falling out of UFC just a few years ago. In his early UFC days, he had cardio issues that kept him from being able to make it all the way through fights competitively. His win over Devin Clark in 2017 turned things around, and his confidence apparently overcame those cardio problems. Excel for a loss to Thiago Santos, he has beaten many of the division’s top names, including Luke Rockhold and Ronald Souza. He knocked out Corey Anderson in February to earn this title shot.

Blachowicz is all about establishing the jab and delivering aggravation from distance. However, Reyes has the kicking game to keep Blachowicz from setting up the jab. Blachowicz could bring bombs if Reyes chooses to close or use pressure. Both of these fighters prefer to work from distance, so it’s not hard to see Reyes doing this again, coasting to a win on the cards.

Final Prediction:
Reyes wins via decision