Undefeated middleweight prospect Israel Adesanya (15-0, 13 KOs) will meet former longtime champion Anderson Silva (34-8, 22 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC 234 on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
The New Anderson Silva is throwing down with the Old Anderson Silva. Ever since Israel Adesanya made his debut in early 2018, “The Last Stylebender” has drawn comparisons to a young Anderson Silva. Joe Rogan described it best when Silva made his UFC debut nearly 15 years ago: “This is a different type of striker.”
The same can be said for “The Last Stylebender.” From the moment he knocked out Rob Wilkinson in his 2018 UFC debut, it’s been clear that the 15-0 middleweight is operating on a different level when it comes to the striking game. The head movement, the sniping precision, the creativity - all the nuances that set Silva apart are there for Adesanya.
So what happens when they meet inside the octagon? Of course, Silva is well past his prime, with major injuries and multiple PEDs suspension in the rearview mirror. Beating the Brazilian still means something, in a way that means little in the actual 185-pound rankings. Of course, Silva did come out and state that he was promised a title shot with a win, which is just baffling because he’s 1-4 with a 1 NC in his last six fights.
The maybe-title shot for Anderson might just be a smokescreen to give a definite title shot to Adesanya, should the Nigerian come through with a win. He’s got everything it takes to be a superstar, and a shiny gold belt around his waist would be a win for WME.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best betting options. We’ll break down the fight along with a few good online betting picks. Live UFC betting is also available to hedge your bets online.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Anderson Silva +487
Israel Adesanya -768
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +180 / -195
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Adesanya 4.51 / Silva 3.15
Accuracy: Adesanya 55% / Silva 61%
Absorbed per minute: Adesanya 2.08 / Silva 3.06
Defense: Adesanya 71% / Silva 62%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Adesanya 0 / Silva 0.19
Takedown accuracy: Adesanya N/A / Silva 75%
Takedown defense: Adesanya 85% / Silva 69%
Submission average: Adesanya 0.29 / Silva 0.38
Bet on this fight at BookMaker.eu
There’s one thing we can say with absolute certainty: this fight will take place on the feet. Neither Silva nor Adesanya have the offensive wrestling to take each other down, nor the desire to even try. Silva’s a dangerous grappler with a black belt in BJJ, but it’s always been more of a defensive tool against wrestlers. Adesanya has yet to attempt a takedown inside the octagon.
The number one argument against Silva is his age. At 43 years old, his physical skills have declined sharply since losing to Chris Weidman in 2013. His ability to straight up school dudes is gone. But dudes still have to approach him with a high level of respect, since he can flash the immense level at skills at any time.
Silva is still one of the better counterstrikers in the division, but that might not matter against a fighter a taller, rangier, younger and faster surgical kickboxer. Adesanya is not the sort of swarmer that Silva can easily pick apart, relying more on patient aggression and controlled outbursts to systematically piece guys up. We’ve never seen Silva clearly outclassed on the feet, but that could definitely happen here.
UFC Odds Pick: Parlay Adesanya to win at -768
This price really won’t do much for you, even as a parlay. But the physical talent gap here is wide enough that this is as close to a sure thing as it gets. Might as well take the free money boost.
Bet Online: Fight goes to decision +180
We like the underdog odds on this prop bet. For all of Adesanya’s striking skills, he’s only finished 50% of his UFC opponents, and Silva’s striking experience gives him a good chance of holding up until the scorecards.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 234 takes place on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
