UFC 293 makes its way back to Australia, the land where Israel Adesanya first claimed UFC gold in 2018 at UFC 221. The Nigerian fighter is optimistic that this return to the country will bring him good fortunes as he embarks on his second reign as the Middleweight Champion. Australian native, Tai Tuivasa, will also face Alexander Volkov in the co-main event, a thrilling Heavyweight showdown. In today’s UFC 293 preview, we will delve into these matchups and more, explore the various betting offers for our online sports betting community, and provide some valuable betting tips as well. **Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland (Middleweight)** One factor that adds excitement to this encounter is the remarkable adaptability displayed by both fighters, especially Israel Adesanya. Adesanya’s elite status as a fighter is exemplified by his ability to bend his fighting style to gain an advantage over his opponents, which has earned him the nickname “The Last Stylebender.” He went strike for strike in his fight against Alex Pereira, and in his UFC 276 bout with Jared Cannonier, he matched the American’s strength. On the other hand, Sean Strickland is known for his unpredictability. With two back-to-back victories in 2023, one in the Lightweight division against Nassourdine Imavov and the other upon his return to the Middleweight division against Abusupiyan Magomedov, the California native is poised to make a firm statement and prove his worth. There are a couple of crucial statistics worth highlighting. Sean Strickland has an average of 1.00 **Takedown** per 15 minutes, while Israel Adesanya has an impressive **Takedown Defense** rate of 77%. These stats suggest that the fight is more likely to be decided through striking exchanges, making KO/TKOs outcomes a higher probability, and it may not go the distance. Israel Adesanya has an impressive track record in striking, landing an average of 3.94 **Significant Strikes per Minute** and boasting a 57% **Strike Defense** rate. Sean Strickland delivers a higher rate of 5.86 **Significant Strikes per Minute** but has a strike accuracy of 41%. Strickland’s fighting style, characterized by relentless pressure, determination, and a high work rate, allows him to react and make well-timed reads, although this becomes more challenging when facing elite opponents like Pereira (against whom he lost to in the first round at UFC276 by KO) and, by now, Israel Adesanya. Adesanya’s striking skills are among the best in the UFC, if not the absolute best. As an elite kickboxer, he possesses unmatched timing and precision. It is our belief that when this fight ultimately boils down to a striking battle, the Lagos-born champion likely to have successfully defended his title. Our bet of the day is that this ends in the 3rd round by KO/TKO. **Bet Prediction:**
**Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov (Heavyweight)** While it may not be the most high-profile co-main event, Tai Tuivasa is sure to have the crowd firmly in his corner when he steps into the Octagon this weekend. Currently ranked #6 in the division, Tuivasa is looking to bounce back after suffering consecutive losses to Ciryl Gane and Sergei Pavlovich, both of whom are top contenders in the division. Tuivasa had been on an impressive 5-fight winning streak before these two losses and is eager to return to the win column. What’s interesting is that both losses were by knockout. In fact, 7 of Tuivasa’s last fights have concluded with a KO/TKO, with the Australian winning the first 5 and losing the last two. Despite the strong hometown support Tai Tuivasa is likely to enjoy, the bookmakers have Alexander Volkov as favorite. The Russian fighter is currently riding a 2-fight winning streak, with impressive first-round TKO victories over Alexander Romanov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Another win for Volkov in this bout could elevate him closer to the top contenders in the division, bringing a title shot within closer reach. Alexander Volkov possesses several advantages that, at least on paper, make this matchup seem lopsided. One of the most significant advantages is his height, as **Volkov stands at an imposing 6’7”, whereas Tai Tuivasa is 6’2”.** This height difference provides the Russian fighter with a considerable edge, particularly in terms of reach and the difficulty of being taken down. For **Significant Strikes** , Tuivasa averages 4.10 per minute, while Alexander Volkov lands slightly more at 4.89 per minute. Tuivasa has a decent **Accuracy Rate,** connecting with 49% of his attempts, while Volkov is even more accurate, landing 57% of his. In terms of **defense,** Tuivasa allows 4.46 significant strikes per minute, whereas Volkov has a better defensive record, allowing only 3.00 per minute. Tuivasa also defends against 45% of the significant strikes thrown by his opponents, while Volkov has a stronger defense, deflecting 53% of the strikes aimed at him. This bout should come down to punches, as the recent history of both fights have shown, and for the best odds available among all betting sites, we strongly suggest backing Alexander Volkov. **Bet Prediction:**
**Manel Kape vs. Felipe dos Santos (Flyweight)** Angolan-Portuguese fighter Manel Kape, currently ranked #10 in the Flyweight division, is riding a three-fight winning streak. Originally slated to face #5-ranked Kai Kara-France, Kape will now square off against Felipe dos Santos, who is making his UFC debut. While the UFC has seen its fair share of surprises and upsets, the prevailing expectation is that Manel Kape should have a relatively straightforward path to victory in this matchup. Manel Kape is still relatively fresh to the UFC, having entered the promotion in 2021. His early UFC journey comprised two consecutive losses in the early part of that year, but he bounced back with three consecutive victories against Ode’ Osbourne, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, and David Dvořák. Felipe dos Santos, meanwhile, boasts an undefeated record of 7-0 in MMA fights. While we may consider him the betting underdog in this matchup against Kape, the Brazilian fighter likely believes he possesses the skills and abilities needed to pull off an upset and secure a victorious debut in the UFC. Felipe dos Santos is a Muay Thai specialist known for his aggressive style and an array of striking techniques. His primary strength lies in his potent offensive capabilities. However, his weakness is his defensive game, particularly when he finds himself in close-quarters combat. He struggles to defend against combinations that target both the body and head, a counter-skill that Manel Kape excels at. Manel Kape stands out for his efficiency in managing his energy and his precision in striking. A recurring theme in his fights is his ability to adapt and match the pace set by his opponents. The more dynamic his adversaries make the fight, the more dynamically and dramatically Kape responds. Felipe dos Santos may aim to turn this bout into a gritty, scrappy affair, but his lack of experience at the UFC level is likely to be exposed by the more seasoned Kape. **Bet Prediction:**
**Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane (Heavyweight)** In their first encounter, an accidental eye poke forced Justin Tafa to retire from the fight just 29 seconds into the fight. Now, only three months later, they will meet again, and the hope is that this rematch won’t end in a No Contest like the first one did. Similar to their previous fight, the consensus among most experts is that we can expect a brief but action-packed bout. Both fighters adopt an extremely offensive approach with a minimal focus on defense, making it likely for the fight to be fast-paced and aggressive. Justin Tafa is a more refined fighter, showcasing his skills with an impressive average of 5.02 **Significant Strikes** landed **per minute** and a commendable 54% accuracy rate. Despite his status as the betting favorite for this fight, Tafa faces a **notable disadvantage – his size.** Standing at **6’0” with a 74-inch reach,** he’s going up against Austen Lane, who stands at an imposing **6’6” and boasts an 80-inch reach.** Austen Lane’s background as a former NFL Defensive End has undoubtedly instilled in him a mindset to dominate and impose his will on opponents. He’s accustomed to both dishing out and enduring physical punishment. Prior to earning his spot in the UFC, Lane had been on a six-fight winning streak in MMA, which included a victory over Richard Jacobi in Dana White’s Contender Series exactly one year ago. This background suggests that Lane is no stranger to intense competition and is well-prepared for the challenges of the UFC stage. Austen Lane certainly possesses the physical attributes to cause a significant upset, thanks to his considerable size advantage. However, it’s essential to note that an overreliance on brute force can be countered effectively by a more strategic and technically sound opponent like Justin Tafa. If Lane opts for a more measured approach, he has a real chance of pulling off an upset in this rematch. We’re going to stick our neck out for an upset. **Bet Prediction:**
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