UFC Paris: Whittaker vs. Vettori Preview and Prediction

Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori will be in the co-main event at the UFC Paris set for the upcoming Saturday. The two middleweights both have a connection with Israel Adesanya, who beat them twice so far. While on one side, Whittaker used to hold the belt, Vettori was a challenger, but he couldn’t get past Izzy who kept his belt. For many, this is the title eliminator if Alex Pereira wins and dethrones Adesanya. His first test, in that case, would be the better from this clash.

Preview

Robert Whittaker (-220) (23-6) is the former champ, who lost the title to Adesanya at the UFC 243. He bounced back after that defeat, winning three events in a row, against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, all via unanimous decision, before losing to Izzy once again at the UEFC 271, also after a unanimous decision.

Whittaker is one of those all-around guys who aren’t particularly gifted for one specific area of the fight but knows everything solid. His kickboxing is solid; his wrestling is OK, cardio is extensive, and so on. The Aussie’s kicks and round punches are excellent, while on the other side, his takedown defense is very strong and stable.

So far in his career, the 31-year-old faced a lot of big names. He won the title against Yoel Romero, and beat the Cuban twice. Prior to that, Whittaker was better than Jacare Souza, Derek Brunson, Uriah Hall, Clint Hester, etc. His career has been good so far, and he hopes to have another title shot before his retirement.

Marvin Vettori (+180) (18-5-1) had his chance to take the belt, but Adesanya defeated him at the UFC 263. It was a unanimous decision victory for the Last Sylebender, who was in control from the start until the end. Though, Vettori wasn’t outplayed like some of the champs’ other rivals.

In fact, the Italian Dream is one of the few men who went toe-to-toe with Izzy, especially in the first meeting which ended with Adesanya’s split decision victory.

He is extremely powerful and strong, with superb cardio able to carry him throughout the entire bout. Vettori is a solid kickboxer but likes to use his hands more often than kicks, even though he has solid moves there as well. The power and frame allow him to engage in wrestling, and as time passes, he is developing that aspect of his knowledge more and more.

Prediction

Many favor Whittaker because of his movement, speed, and quick reactions. Needless to remind that Adesanya had problems with Vettori, and the champ is faster than the Aussie. Sharpness and skill are on his side, but we simply can’t underestimate Vettori, whose power is much much bigger than the former champ’s.

Whittaker can’t finish him, that is our opinion, and his only chance to beat Vettori is either to KO or submit him, which is hard to believe. Meanwhile, Italian looked more comfortable in his last bouts, which is why we give him the edge to win the contest.

Pick: Vettori +180