Israel Adesanya v Alex Pereira predictions and UFC 281 betting tips

Free UFC betting tips, predictions and analysis for UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden, New York on Saturday night

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, from 1am Sunday

Best bet

Zhang Weili to win by KO, TKO or DQ
2pts 5-4 Boyles, Betfred

Alex Pereira to win by KO, TKO or DQ
1pt 11-4 Betfair, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power

UFC 281 preview

Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya faces his toughest test to date when he defends his title against Alex Pereira at UFC 281.

The pair have met twice previously during their time on the kickboxing scene with Pereira winning both contests.

Pereira is a power puncher and isn't likely to show Adesanya the kind of respect that the champion has become accustomed to when coasting to victory in his last three title defences.

The elusive Adesanya has maintained distance and launched attacks on the counter to earn decision wins over Jared Cannonier, Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori.

However, Pereira won't let that happen and will be looking to walk down the Nigerian to close off his escape routes.

Brazil's Pereira is just seven fights into his MMA career and he has caught the eye by sealing five of his six victories by knockout.

Closing the distance will be a major challenge but if he can get in close then he has a great chance to land heavy and take the title.

The co-main sees Carla Esparza make the first defence of her strawweight title against Zhang Weili.

Esparza won the title via an underwhelming decision triumph over Rose Namajunas but her reign could be short-lived.

Zhang, who lost the belt in 2021, holds the edge when it comes to power and speed and looks set to add a 12th knockout win to her record.

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