Previewing UFC Adelaide: Betting Odds, TV Schedule and Analysis
The top billing at UFC Adelaide feels like a swan song. Many of the matchups place older veterans, once major contenders or even champions, against their younger counterparts.
With a decade between them, former Light Heavyweight champion Maurício “Shogun” Rua will be taking on Tyson Pedro. Another former beltholder in Junior Dos Santos steps back into the Octagon against the 25-year-old Tai Tuivasa. And the legendary Mark Hunt meets Justin Willis in reportedly his last appearance in the Octagon.
Will the young guys prove that their time is now or will the old guards show that they still have some fight left?
Let’s preview the main card of Fight Night 142, kicking off on FOX Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Tai Tuivasa (+150) VS Junior Dos Santos (-150)
Junior Dos Santos (19-5) has done it all inside of the octagon. At one point he was the rising Heavyweight contender that fought his way up the rankings. He became UFC Heavyweight champion in 2011. He lost his title the following year but remained a contender.
His career stalled after USADA flagged him as a possible Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) was found in his system. Less then a year later he managed to clear his name and is now looking to fight way back to the top but at 34 years of age, just how much does Dos Santos have left in the tank? Tonight we’ll find that answer as he’ll be taking on young contender Tai Tuivasa who is undefeated at 8-0. Of Tuivasa’s eight wins only one has went to the scorecards.
Tonight Dos Santos will be standing across the cage and feel as though he’s looking in the mirror. Tuivasa is the young hot prospect looking for his shot at gold. Sounds familiar? This was once Dos Santos. This fight will leave a statement.
If Dos Santos wins then he is still a contender. A loss would seemingly spell the end for him at the top level. As for Tuivasa a win for him would vault him up the rankings. A loss won’t be detrimental to his career but it would be a major step back for him. Neither man can afford a loss at this point.
Maurício Rua (+360) vs Tyson Pedro (-450)
What an opportunity Tyson Pedro (7-2 has) in front of him when he takes on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Maurício Rua (25-11).
Before Rua’s recent defeat at the hands of Anthony Smith, the former champ was on actually on a roll and seemed as though he could be on his way to a surprising shot at the title soon.
Despite the loss he still comes into this bout against Pedro winning three of his previous four. He hasn’t quite looked like his vintage self but other then the Smith fight he has looked like a fighter with a bit more left in the tank.
For Pedro this is his opportunity to pick up his biggest win, albeit against a diminished version of the UFC legend. If Pedro can win this fight it won’t place him in title contention but it would be a good scalp for him to claim. As for Rua a loss signals that the end of his career is approaching even faster.
Mark Hunt (+100) VS Justin Willis (-120)
Mark Hunt (13-13-1) is a legend. His record may not be impressive but the men that he has actually defeated inside of the cage are.
The likes Wanderlei Silva, Frank Mir and most recently Derrick Lewis have all fell by his hands. He has also shared the ring with just about every UFC Heavyweight legend you can possibly think of. Brock Lesnar, Alistair Overeem, Fabrício Werdum and Stipe Miocic to name a few.
In short, he’s been fighting for a long time. Tonight however, is where his career comes to an end as he’ll be taking on Justin Willis (7-1) in what is his last fight of his career.
The UFC did Hunt no favors in his last bout and that’s exactly how Hunt wants it. Ever since losing his first bout Willis has rattled off seven wins in a row. Willis has knockout power as four of his wins have come by knockout.
Do we really need to talk about the power Hunt possesses?
Even at 44 and clearly on the decline Hunt can still put anyone’s lights out. Although Willis has done a good job of beating the opposition placed in front of him he will be taking a massive step up today in competition. Let’s not forget that this fight will also be taking place in Hunts backyard which will either hurt or add extra fire for him. Either way the emotions should be running high. This fight promises to deliver something explosive.
Sodiq Yusuff (-550) VS Suman Mokhtarian (+425)
Two fighters that are very unknown to the public and mainstream but will get there chance to change that tonight. Suman Mokhtarian (8-0) loves to go for the submission as six of his eight wins have come via sub.
Unfortunately for Mokhtarian the UFC matchmakers were not kind to him. Sodiq Yusuff (7-1) brings a ton of movement and excellent striking ability. Four of his victories have come via stoppage. He also looked great in his matchup against Mike Davis on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.
It is a bit surprising to see either of these men of the main card so early in their careers but this is an opportunity neither can afford to waste. Expect them both to put on a show and put this opportunity to good use.
Paul Craig (+225) VS Jim Crute (-265)
The undefeated Jim Crute (8-0) will be looking to extend his unbeaten streak to nine when he takes on Paul Craig (10-2) tonight. Both fighters love to go on the offensive and often times throw caution to the wind.
Craig sets up his opponent with stiff jabs and front kicks before he begins to look for a way to put his man in an uncomfortable position and get the submission that he is always looking for.
Crute on the other hand is usually bombs away but he has a good balance in his game as three of wins have come by knockout, two by submission and the remaining three have gone the distance. Crute seems to have a few more tools in his bag and seems to be comfortable no matter where this fight goes. It’s a close fight that will be an interesting chess match all night long.
