UFC 248 Main Card Preview And Predictions
1. Israel Adesanya (18-0) Vs. Yoel Romero (13-4)
Despite losing three of his last four fights, Yoel 'Soldier of God' Romero will get a shot at Israel Adesanya and the UFC Middleweight Championship. Of course, all three of the losses were somewhat controversial and could have just as easily gone Romero's way.
Record aside, the 'Soldier of God' remains one of the scariest men on the UFC roster and is a legitimate threat to 'The Last Stylebender's' title reign. Romero, a former Olympic wrestler who took home a silver medal at the 2000 games, is every bit as strong as he looks. The Cuban sensation has game-changing power, which he's used to take out former champs like Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman.
The champion, Israel Adesanya, is an undefeated fighter with world-class kickboxing. Thanks to his cat-like reflexes and unorthodox striking, 'The Last Stylebender' has been able to make championship-level fighters look like amateurs. He's arguably the UFC's fastest rising star and looks poised for a big 2020.
Adesanya (30) is roughly twelve years younger than the challenger who will turn 43 in April. He also appears to be the faster fighter with the more impressive striking pedigree. The champ is betting favorite and justifiably so.
Still, Romero is very much a live dog. Besides his one-punch knock out power, the Cuban wrestler would appear to have a massive advantage in the grappling department. However, for whatever reason, the former Olympian hasn't used his wrestling much in recent fights.
Adesanya has shown excellent takedown defense but doesn't have any sort of a grappling pedigree to speak of, and hasn't faced a wrestler with the type of credentials Romero has. If the challenger decides to go with a takedown heavy game plan, things could get very interesting.
That being said, recent history would suggest that Romero will come out swinging and likely be picked apart in a stand-up battle.
The Pick: Adesanya via decision.