Israel Adesanya is looking to become a UFC dual champion, and he’s favored to do just that – at least according to oddsmakers.
Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, could move up to challenge Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title after UFC president Dana White said this past weekend that the champ-vs.-champ showdown is in the promotion’s plans.
It didn’t take long for oddsmakers to weigh in, with BetOnline.ag opening Adesanya as a -250 favorite and Blachowicz a +210 underdog. The line has increased since, as Adesanya is listed at -300 and Blachowicz at +250.
In plain terms, Adesanya (20-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is a 3-to-1 favorite; a $300 bet would be needed to win $100. On the other side, a $100 bet on Blachowicz (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) would net $250 if he wins.
Adesanya is expected to make the move up since contenders at 185 pounds have run thin. Adesanya figured to defend his title against Jared Cannonier next, but Cannonier lost to Robert Whittaker last month at UFC 254. Whittaker, who’s on a two-fight winning streak, remains the No. 1 contender but lost the title to Adesanya in October 2019.
Blachowicz, who’s on a four-fight winning streak, claimed the 205-pound title vacated by Jon Jones with a second-round TKO of Dominick Reyes in September at UFC 253.