UFC 281: Adesanya vs Pereira – Preview

The MMA leader’s annual visit to Madison Square Garden is set for UFC 281. One of the biggest cards of the year will be brought to New York City, including two title bouts and a whole host of high-profile fights.

The main event is one of the middleweight division’s most important title fight in years. Reigning champion Israel Adesanya, who aims to pick up his sixth title defense, will face off with a foe from his past. Former GLORY kickboxing double-champion Alex Pereira has made himself a force in MMA, and now he wants to pick up a third combat sports win over Adesanya.

In the co-main event, strawweight champion Carla Esparza, now in her second title reign, hopes to make the first defense of her belt. Standing across from her will be former titleholder Zhang Weili, who is on a warpath back to her championship.

The title picture at 155lbs is sure to be shaken up in the feature bout. Former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler will finally fight, with the winner edging closer to another chance at UFC gold.

Let’s take a closer look at this card and the betting odds for each fight!

DISCLAIMER: all odds were taken from the official UFC webpage, and are accurate at the time of writing.

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(c) Israel Adesanya (23-1) vs (#4) Alex Pereira (6-1) – UFC middleweight championship bout

Revenge is on the champion’s mind, and he will have to fend off the power of the ghost that has haunted his career at UFC 281.

Lackluster performances in recent showings may have lost him some fans, but the confidence levels have never been higher for Israel Adesanya. The middleweight champion has collected five defenses of the belt since he claimed undisputed gold in 2019, dispatching some of the division’s very best. His control of range feeds into his ability to effectively kick the legs and pop a steady jab from outside. It’ll be very interesting to see if Adesanya plans on integrating any grappling into his arsenal for this fight, seeing that Pereira is a dangerous striker, in his own right. To avenge this loss would add massively to the champion’s legacy, and that’s what ‘The Last Stylebender’ needs right now.

What once seemed like a fan’s dream has become a reality; Alex Pereira has worked his way to a UFC title with none other than Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian had become a household name in kickboxing, claiming the GLORY middleweight and light-heavyweight titles, but decided that MMA was the next step. Now, three wins and two sensational knockouts later, Pereira is firmly amongst the best 185lb fighters on Earth. His striking credentials speak for themself. Keeping it on the feet with him is a very risky move, seeing that his power – particularly his left hook – flattens everyone in his path. Going from promotional debutant to champion in a year would make ‘Poatan’ one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation.

ODDS: (c) Adesanya (-165), Pereira (+140)

(c) Carla Esparza (20-6) vs (#2) Zhang Weili (22-3) – UFC strawweight championship bout

The 115lb title is up for grabs in the co-main event, where the champion will seek to get her second title reign off to a good start, but her opponent is dead set on reclaiming her belt.

Though her second win over Rose Namajunas was lackluster, to put it gently, there’s no denying that Carla Esparza is one of the best 115lb fighters ever. The champion rebounded from the end of her brief stint as titleholder, eventually fighting her way back to the title and winning. With the belt once again around her waist, she is determined to make this reign last longer. It’s well known that Esparza is a talented wrestler, holding the record for most takedowns in the division’s history. Seeing that Zhang was taken down repeatedly by Rose Namajunas, it’s not unreasonable to say that Esparza could exploit that area. ‘The Cookie Monster’ has a real path to victory in this one, so don’t count her out.

There are few strawweights who can match the ferocity of former champion Zhang Weili. The Chinese sensation has only dropped a pair of fights to Rose Namajunas in the past eight years, looking virtually untouchable. Now, with the title on her mind once again, she is coming to New York to make a bid for the championship she once held. Though she’s capable on the ground, Zhang’s best work comes in the striking department. Her blitzing attack of strikes could present a very difficult challenge for her opponent to overcome. A second reign as champion would solidify ‘Magnum’ as one of the best female fighters of her era.

ODDS: (c) Esparza (+290), Zhang (-350)

(#2) Dustin Poirier (28-7, 1 NC) vs (#5) Michael Chandler (23-7) – lightweight bout

A feud to settle and a chance at the 155lb title are all on the line between hard-hitting lightweight rivals.

Two failed attempts to capture an undisputed title have left Dustin Poirier in lightweight limbo. The former interim champion, after almost a year away, is now revitalised and ready to get his name back into the mix. Poirier has some of the hardest hands and most accurate boxing in the division, having a total of fourteen knockouts to his name. His takedown defense has been somewhat criticised by fans, but a BJJ black belt has led him to seven submissions. It’s not an easy fight to welcome him back to the Octagon, but ‘The Diamond’ has always gleamed under pressure.

In just under two years with the UFC, former Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler has become one of the most beloved action fighters in the company. A pair of consecutive losses to Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje re-ignited the Missourian’s desire to claim the title, which led to a brutal knockout win against Tony Ferguson. As is given away by his stocky frame, Chandler packs an almighty punch (and front kick, as we discovered in May). His explositivity aids his wrestling ability, which he honed over successful collegiate career. If he wants a second shot at the title, ‘Iron Mike’ will need to bring his A-game.

ODDS: Poirier (-175), Chandler (+150)

(#12) Frankie Edgar (23-10-1) vs Chris Gutierrez (18-3-2) – bantamweight bout

The farewell fight for one of MMA’s most beloved legends will be no easy task, as he fights a hungry striker who wants to take his ranking.

There are few fighters who have accomplished as much as former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. New Jersey’s finest, however, has long been approaching the twilight of his career, and is ready to hang up the gloves. One last hurrah in the historic Madison Square Garden is in order for the legend, where hopes to go out on a high note. Edgar has always been a true five-tool-player, effectively mixing his hand speed and takedowns to keep his opponents guessing. Even at 41 years old, he is more than capable of putting a pace on his opponents. ‘The Answer’ is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, so I truly hope he can turn back the clock.

Overshadowed by some of his more boisterous bantamweight peers, Chris Gutierrez has been quietly ascending the UFC ladder for almost four years. He has gone undefeated since a loss to Raoni Barcelos in his debut, most recently picking up a POTN bonus against Danaa Batgerel. Gutierrez has employed the use of leg kicks in previous bouts, including a TKO over Vince Morales. He is a patient striker who uses pressure and feints when his opponent is hurt. A top 15 spot is waiting for ‘El Guapo’, should he be able to dispose of his toughest opponent to date at UFC 281.

ODDS: Edgar (+175), Gutierrez (-205)

(#12) Dan Hooker (21-12) vs Claudio Puelles (13-2) – lightweight bout

The road to the lightweight elite is in sight for Peru’s finest, but he will have to face New Zealand’s toughest scrapper in the main card opener.

Once a title contender, Dan Hooker has fallen on tremendously hard times, as of late. A failed return to 145lbs ended in defeat, making it his fourth loss in five fights. What can’t be taken away from the Kiwi, however, is his unbreakable spirit and drive to continue fighting. Back at lightweight, we can expect to see Hooker’s chin at it’s best, having not been drained by a weight cut. He stands at 6’0″, taller than the vast majority of his fellow fighters. Hooker enjoys keeping his fights in the striking realm, where he uses his length to land straight punches and knees. The path of redemption for ‘The Hangman’ is in sight, and everyone knows that he won’t be one to give up.

Claudio Puelles appeared sporadically in this UFC between 2016 and 2019, following a failed stint on TUF: Latin America. In 2021, the Peruvian was officially back in the swing of things, picking up three more impressive wins against Jordan Leavitt, Chris Greutzemacher and Clay Guida. His uptake in activity led to more fans discovering that Puelles was a submission savant, with a particular love for kneebars. If there was any one weak spot in Hooker’s game, it would have to be the grappling department. Expect to see takedowns attempts, early and often, from Puelles. ‘The Prince of Peru’ is one win away from making a real name for himself at 155lbs.

ODDS: Hooker (-155), Puelles (+135)

Brad Riddell (10-3) vs Renato Moicano (16-5-1) – lightweight bout

The featured prelim of UFC 281 sees established contenders at lightweight square off, in what is sure to be a firecracker of a fight.

Two stoppage losses in his most recent outings have dropped the stock of Brad Riddell, but that doesn’t mean that he is any less of a dangerous fighter. A big victory would re-ignite hype for the Kiwi, which is what he’s searching for this weekend. Riddell remains one of the most technically proficient strikers at 155lbs, using an array of thunderous kicks and punches to break his opponents down. ‘Quake’ has his back to the wall coming into this bout, but his aspirations are still very high.

For my money, Renato Moicano is one of the most underappreciated fighters on the current roster. He has consistently fought at a high level for the full length of his UFC tenure, battling some of the best that the featherweight and lightweight divisions have to offer. The Brazilian is a well-rounded combatant, but his best work comes off the mat. His BJJ black belt has led to nine career submissions, as well as hard-fought decisions that came on the ground. The oddsmakers are giving Moicano the slight edge in this one, but he will definitely need to be on best form.

ODDS: Riddell (+105), Moicano (-125)

(#7) Dominick Reyes (12-3) vs (#12) Ryan Spann (20-7) – light-heavyweight bout

A former light-heavyweight title challenger wants to snap his skid, but a powerful contender wants to go through him to climb the ranks.

It’s hard not to feel sympathetic for Dominick Reyes. His controversial loss to Jon Jones was followed by two knockout losses to future champions. These defeats have made him something of an afterthought at 205lbs, but he is determined to get back on track. Reyes, at 6’4″, knows how to use his size and length to his advantage. His left hand packs a lot of power, and when used effectively, often leads to a KO finish. I would expect this fight to remain standing, in Reyes’ wheelhouse. A third chance at UFC gold is only a few wins away, and the beginning of that journey may lie at UFC 281 for ‘The Dominator’.

Not dissimilar from his opponent, Ryan Spann’s hype train hit a snag with recent losses. There is no denying, however, that the physicality, length and punching power of the Tennessee fighter make him a threat. Standing at a mighty 6’5″, Spann is known to use his size to find a home for his powerful rear hand, just like Reyes. Despite only being a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he has twelve submission wins on his record, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to expect a takedown attempt from Spann. ‘Superman’ still has potential to succeed at light-heavyweight, but he has to capitalise on this opportunity.

ODDS: Reyes (-215), Spann (+185)

(#12) Erin Blanchfield (9-1) vs (#15) Molly McCann (13-4) – flyweight bout

A bright flyweight prospect will look for the biggest win of her career against the surging Scouse fan-favourite.

In a division like 125lbs, it takes a lot to be heralded as a potential threat to champion Valentina Shevchenko. Luckily for Erin Blanchfield, fans have noticed her abilities and see her as on flyweight’s best up-and-comers. The 23 year old racked up wins in Invicta – as well as an Eddie Bravo Invitational championship – before coming to the UFC, where she has beaten her competition with ease. Blanchfield holds a black belt in BJJ under Karel Pravec and trains with the Renzo Gracie Academy, so it’s fair to say that she knows her way around the mat. I would be fully expecting the New Jersian to bring this fight to the ground and exploit McCann’s weaknesses there. ‘Cold Blooded’ could easily be in the elite of the division by 2023, provided that she continues to dominate at UFC 281.

Having amassed at 3-3 record with the UFC and seemingly on her way out of the promotion, it was unexpected to see Molly McCann have the success she has garnered recently. Three wins on the trot have earned the Scouser a top-fifteen position, and she now her toughest test, to date, ahead of her. McCann prefers to keep her fights on the feet, where she uses her boxing and elbows to chop away at the opponent. Given Blanchfield’s grappling credentials, it’s a safe bet to say that McCann will do her best to keep this standing. A victory for ‘Meatball’ would be absolutely monumental for her career.

ODDS: Blanchfield (-380), McCann (+310)

Matt Frevola (9-3-1) vs Ottman Azaitar (13-0) – lightweight bout

A pair of explosive lightweight contenders are set to throw down on the early prelims of UFC 281.

There are few fighters more game than New York’s Matt Frevola. He has been a game competitor since his debut, only dropping a handful of fights to promising prospects, whilst also collecting exciting wins. Frevola feels, now, that he is truly hitting his stride. He is more than happy to slug it out on the feet, in the hopes of finding the knockout shot. Should the bout hit the ground though, Frevola holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Matt Arroyo. ‘The Steamrolla’ could make sure respect is rightfully put on his name, if he can pick up a win on a massive card like this.

In a division like 155lbs, it’s easy to overlook talented contenders, given the sheer abundance of them. That seems to have happened with Ottman Azaitar, who has been on the sidelines since 2020. The Moroccan-German has collected two first-round knockouts in the UFC, looking like a smashing machine in both fights. He possesses bricks for fists, with ten knockouts in his thirteen pro bouts. ‘The Bulldozer’ is need of a big win to re-insert himself into the division, and he has more than enough power to do it.

ODDS: Frevola (-145), Azaitar (+125)

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Who will leave MSG with twelve pounds of golds? What fight are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!