Oddsmakers are backing Israel Adesanya to become a two-weight champion in the UFC.
Following Robert Whittaker’s win over Jared Cannonier at UFC 254 last week, many were expecting to see him face Adesanya in a rematch.
However, another title shot doesn’t seem to be the main priority for “The Reaper” at the moment, which is why UFC president Dana White has given the green light for Adesanya to move up and face Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title.
And his chances certainly look promising as “The Last Stylebender” has opened as the -260 favorite while Blachowicz is a +220 underdog. The lines have since shifted further with Adesanya now moving up to -300 while Blachowicz is +250.
That means you would have to bet $300 to win $100 on Adesanya while a $100 stake on Blachowicz would earn a profit of $250.
Adesanya, of course, remains undefeated in mixed martial arts and is arguably the best striker in the promotion today. He certainly has the frame for light heavyweight too, though Blachowicz — a winner of eight of his last nine outings — believes the New Zealander will struggle with the size and power difference.
Here are the opening odds for the pair’s last five fights:
Israel Adesanya last five fights
- vs. Paulo Costa (W): -140
- vs. Yoel Romero (W): -185
- vs. Robert Whittaker (W): +160
- vs. Kelvin Gastelum (W): -220
- vs. Anderson Silva (W): -400
Jan Blachowicz last five fights
- vs. Dominick Reyes (W): +170
- vs. Corey Anderson (W): +105
- vs. Jacare Souza (W): -185
- vs. Luke Rockhold (W): +165
- vs. Thiago Santos (L): +120