This is the betting preview for UFC 305. This event will broadcast live from Perth, Australia on August 18 from the RAC Arena. We are looking for solid favorites and live underdogs for this fight event.
UFC 305 Betting Preview
UFC 305 will feature Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya in the main event and top-ranked flyweights Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg slotted for the co-main. We will break down MMA betting here and also see crypto sports betting.
Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
With the middleweight title on the line, South Africa’s “Stillknocks” Dricus du Plessis will look to earn his first title defense against the former king of the division “The Last Stylebender” Israel Adesanya. This fight has a clear favourite going in but it’s a challenging fight to predict with several variables.
Israel Adesanya lost his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland, who was then defeated by the South African champion. The Nigerian-Kiwi Adesanya is the favorite going into this match but with several questions over his head. As a former kickboxer and a sharp counter-puncher, the aggressive forward movement of du Plessis should play well into Adesanya’s game at UFC 305.
However, “The Last Stylebender” seems to struggle to pull the trigger mentally in fights. He will be evasive and dodge, making his opponents miss, but then he won’t punish them. The grit and determination that we saw in his fight against Kelvin Gastelum seemed to be gone against the US-born Strickland. Despite losing most of the fight, Adesanya didn’t adjust tactics knowing he was behind on the scorecards.
“Stillknocks” Dricus du Plessis is a mixed fighter. A highly skilled grappler with a background in Judo, with lots of amateur kickboxing experience as well. On the feet, he is sometimes quite awkward, overthrowing on strikes and reacting to feints. However, his power makes up for any technical issues.
But it’s his striking in combination with his threatening grappling that makes him so formidable. Du Plessis is willing to engage in the pocket and eat a few punches, then he can clinch or go for takedowns. His resume includes some impressive wins such as Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and others.
Adesanya is the favorite going in, as he should be. But the underdog Du Plessis might be the better pick only due to how many questions we have regarding Adesanya’s mentality. Adesanya could be a clear favorite bet or du Plessis is a live underdog, it is too close to pick.
Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
Two top-ranked flyweights are set to throw down in the UFC 305 co-main event with Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg. Former title contender New Zealand’s Kara-France is desperate for a win as he faces the Australian-born Steve Erceg.
“Astro Boy” Erceg is the current favorite in this fight, one fight removed from his closely contested loss against the flyweight champion. Erceg is a fast and powerful puncher with a sharp left hook which he will look to use at UFC 305.
Kai Kara-France has impressive wins over fighters such as Askar Askarov, with knockouts over Cody Garbrandt and Rogério Bontorin. With various losses dotting his career most bettors are looking at the inconsistencies in the Kiwi fighter’s game.
Kara-France is a live underdog in what is projected to be a war, but Steve Erceg is a safe pick in this matchup as a slight favorite.
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker
Poland’s Mateusz Gamrot will face the perpetually dangerous “Hangman” Dan Hooker of New Zealand. Despite losses to Arnold Allen and Islam Makhachev, Hooker has recovered with two consecutive wins.
“Gamer” Mateusz Gamrot is an impressive grappler with a background in freestyle wrestling. He has solid wins over Rafael Fiziev, Rafael dos Anjos, and Arman Tsarukyan.
Gamrot is the betting favorite in this fight as he should be. He is a safe pick for UFC 305.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
The Australian Tai Tuivasa is a crowd pleaser as he always brings action and energy to fights. The heavy-handed striker will look to take out the veteran kickboxer Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Heavyweight strikers are notoriously challenging to pick between as anything can land, one punch can make all the difference.
However, Rozenstruik is the betting favorite, as he is coming off of wins. Tai Tuivasa is a slight underdog and might be a good pick if one is seeking a live dog.
More information on how to watch UFC 305 can be found here.