UFC 287 Tips and Predictions

Dateline Miami, Florida!!!

UFC is finally making a grand return to Miami with UFC 287 after two decades with a stacked PPV which guarantees entertainment.

We've got a historic Middleweight title rematch headlining along with a banger co-main event between top Welterweights.

The remaining line-up includes some great matchups which will combine for a memorable night.

We're excited to break down these fights and pick some winning lines, so let's get into it!

Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya II

When a fight leaves fans with unanswered questions and doubts, it calls for an immediate rematch.

We’ll be treated to an epic rivalry between two fierce combatants that has travelled across sports and will finally be settled within 25 minutes inside the Octagon.

Alex "Poatan" Pereira has had a fairy tale run to the top having transitioned his decade-long kickboxing experience into a UFC championship.

He is currently riding a 4-fight UFC win streak which has earned him three performance accolades and wins over top talents like Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.

Alex lacks MMA experience but has been honing his toolbox under the guidance of former UFC champion Glover Teixeira.

Training under Glover, he will improve his takedown defence and offense while remaining patient to find his shots which will be his keys to victory in this matchup.

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya is regarded as one of the best Middleweights in UFC history next to the great Anderson Silva.

In his short 5-year UFC career, Israel cemented a legacy through 12 UFC victories, seven performance accolades, and five title defences.

He has beaten the likes of Robert Whittaker, Anderson Silva, Yoel Romero, and Kelvin Gastelum on his journey to Mount Rushmore.

Israel is one of the most technically sound kickboxers in UFC history who added vital weapons like takedown & submission defence and finishing acumen to his arsenal.

Israel has over a decade of MMA experience which will be his biggest asset in this rematch.

Alex lacks enough MMA experience but as the famous saying goes “Styles make fights” and we think he just matches up well with the former champion.

It will be another great contest between two elites where we will see Alex's technical brawling colliding with Israel's high IQ kickboxing to see whose style reigns supreme.

Best Bets

It’s as good an opportunity as any to triple down on our stellar Stake brand ambassadors.

Our first bet is on the main-card Bantamweight bout between Raul Rosas Jr and Christian Rodriguez.

Raul looked sharp in his debut and will be entering this contest with confidence against a tough test in Rodriguez.

We think Raul can get the better of the grappling exchanges which can end in a submission or decision victory for the 18-year-old.

Our next bet comes on our banger co-main event between Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal.

Masvidal is riding a 3-fight skid whereas, Burns has been getting the better of competent competitors like Thompson, Magny, and Woodley.

Burns is a capable finisher but Masvidal is very durable so we think this fight could look a lot like Gilbert's victory over Thompson where the control time was his key.

Ultimately, we're backing our guy to get this one done via a unanimous decision.

Finally, time for the main event of the evening.

Contrary to popular belief, we think Israel will come out looking like a different beast in this match-up and will prove why he's been the best for years.

Alex is a tough competitor, but Israel has higher fight IQ which will help him regain his belt or as Izzy says “I don’t keep score, I settle them”. #AndNew.

Selection: Raul Rosas Jr by Submission or Points (Wining Method, Double Chance) @1.55

Selection: Gilbert Burns by Points (Wining Method) @2.5

Selection: Israel Adesanya (Winner) @1.77

Selection: Parlay all Selections @6.85