UFC 276: Adesanya vs. Cannonier Fight Card, TV Info, Predictions and More
Israel Adesanya will aim to keep his middleweight title from Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC 276 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Last Stylebender has proved to be a fitting champion of the 185-pound division. He has defended the title four times with wins over Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori and Robert Whittaker.
Now he hopes to add Cannonier to his list of victims.
Alexander Volkanovski will try to add another bullet point on his resume as a champion as well. The featherweight title holder will see Max Holloway for a third time in the co-main event.
With two title fights and an assortment of interesting fights, it's a strong card from top to bottom. Here's a look at the complete offering and predictions for the biggest fights of the night.
UFC 276 Fight Card, Schedule and Odds
Main Card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
Israel Adesanya (c) -475 (bet $475 to win $100) vs. Jared Cannonier +380 (bet $100 to win $380) - middleweight title fight
Alexander Volkanovski (c) -195 vs. Max Holloway +165 - featherweight title fight
Sean Strickland -125 vs. Alex Pereira +105
Pedro Munhoz +245 vs. Sean O’Malley -295
Robbie Lawler -110 vs. Bryan Barberena -110
Preliminary Card (ABC, ESPN at 8 p.m. ET)
Brad Riddell +125 vs. Jalin Turner -145
Ian Garry -180 vs. Gabriel Green +155
Donald Cerrone +160 vs. Jim Miller -190
Brad Tavares +130 vs. Dricus Du Plessis -150
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. ET)
Andre Muniz -320 vs. Uriah Hall +265
Maycee Barber -285 vs. Jessica Eye +240
Jessica-Rose Clark -145 vs. Julija Stoliarenko +125
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Adesanya Outclasses Cannonier to Win Decision
Jared Cannonier is a dangerous striker. Israel Adesanya is a master striker.
There are levels to this game, and the middleweight championship bout shapes up to be an example of that.
Canonnier has punched his way to the title shot. The former heavyweight hits like a truck and is capable of flattening anyone in the division with his one-punch power. The trick is landing that punch, though.
The 38-year-old is powerful but isn't the most refined striker. He has good leg kicks and moves forward with heavy strikes.
Conversely, Adesanya is a tactician whose kickboxing background is evident in the cage. He is a masterful counter striker. He has the ability to play both the role of aggressor and counter-striker.
The difference in the two is likely to show up throughout the five-round fight. Cannonier always has a puncher's chance, but Adesanya's defense and movement will make it hard for him to land a fight-changing strike.
Prediction: Adesanya via decision
Holloway Gets Revenge in Third Classic
Trilogies are often unnecessary, but no one should be complaining about getting to watch Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski meet for the third time.
Although Volkanovski has won each of the last two fights, the total score is six rounds to four. The two fights have been a great example of MMA in its highest form. Both Holloway and Volkanovski are master technical fighters.
Watching the two adjust to one another in a game of back-and-forth one-upsmanship has produced two classic fights.
A third fight should produce a similar result. Holloway has earned his right to a third matchup with back-to-back wins over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez once again showing he's still an elite featherweight.
With Volkanovski winning two close decisions, it might be the former champion's turn to get the upper hand.
Prediction: Holloway via decision
Strickland's Experience and Grappling Neutralizes Pereira
Aside from the title fights, there isn't a more compelling matchup on the card than Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira.
Strickland has earned a chance to get a title shot in the cage. His performance at a UFC 276 press conference in which he went after Adesanya will certainly help, but it's the six-fight win streak he's on that has created this opportunity.
Pereira's work has largely come outside the Octagon. He isn't ranked in the top 15, but that will quickly change if he's able to beat Tarzan. His history as a kickboxer with two wins over Adesanya is driving his intrigue.
What Strickland can do to keep this from becoming a pure kickboxing matchup will be the deciding factor.
Strickland can hold his own against most strikers, but he's an underrated grappler as well. This one is a tough call.
If Strickland believes he can simply stand and bang with the Brazilian, he's in for a rough night. So far, his Fight IQ seems to be higher than that.
Prediction: Strickland via decision
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