UFC Paris goes down this weekend at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker takes on Marvin Vettori in a potential middleweight title eliminator.
Whittaker is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Israel Adesanya in their middleweight title rematch at UFC 271. Whereas Vettori is coming off an impressive win over Paulo Costa at UFC Vegas 41. Both fighters will be looking to put on an impressive performance to earn a shot at the winner of the title fight between Adesanya and Alex Pereira at UFC 281.
UFC Paris: Whittaker vs Vettori Analysis And Prediction
If it wasn’t for Adesanya, Whittaker would be the best middleweight in the world, such is his caliber. The Aussie is extremely well rounded, with exceptional striking, movement and agility, as well as great grappling and takedown defence. He’s also technically gifted. However, that doesn’t mean he will have it easy against Vettori, who’s very well rounded himself, and is tough as nails. The Italian relies more on his wrestling to win fights, but he’s very aggressive on the feet as well, although he does not have as many tools as his opponent.
Statistically, both fighters are very even. Whittaker lands close to four-and-a-half significant strikes per minute on average, whereas Vettori lands a little over four. Both absorb close to three-and-a-half significant strikes per minute on average. Vettori is more efficient on the mat as he lands over two takedowns and attempts close to one submission per 15 minutes, whereas Whittaker lands less than 1 takedown per 15 minutes.
Vettori will rely heavily on his takedowns, which he will try to force with his aggressive, and at times reckless, striking. But Whittaker has a solid takedown defence and will keep the fight on the feet and outstrike ‘The Italian Dream’.
Prediction: Robert Whittaker by decision
Betting Odds:
Robert Whittaker (-230)
Marvin Vettori (+195)
Who do you think will win the middleweight co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori at UFC Paris?
