MMA Preview – Robert Whittaker vs Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night 209
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ROBERT WHITTAKER VS MARVIN VETTORI FACTS
When is UFC Paris? Saturday 3rd September, 2022 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Paris? Accor Arena, Paris (France)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Paris? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Paris
What channel is UFC Paris on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Paris? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS MARVIN VETTORI LOWDOWN
Robert Whittaker’s (23-6) has only lost to one man in his last 14 fights which include a plethora of monsters. That man is Israel Adesanya which there is no shame in losing to. He snatched the title off him back in 2019 with a virtuoso display knocking him out in the second round snapping a nine-fight win streak. Then, after Whittaker strung together three unanimous decisions of utter class against Darren Till (2020), Jared Cannonier (2020) and Kelvin Gastelum (2021), he met the reigning champ again and faired a lot better taking him to the bell in a competitive five rounds.
Marvin Vettori (18-5-1) has only lost to one man in his last 10 fights and yes, it is that man Adesanya. He first met him back in 2018 taking him to a split decision. Vettori then went on to win five straight including unanimous decisions over Jack Hermansson (2020) and Kevin Holland (2021). He was then outclassed by the champion again but has already got back in the win column with his arguably his best performance to date outpointing Paulo Costa back in October last year.
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS MARVIN VETTORI PREDICTION
Paris is being treated to a co-main event of the highest level here. The #1 and #2 ranked middleweights lock horns, but another title shot will not be coming anytime soon.
Physically, they match up very similarly and are closely matched skill wise too. On paper, it looks like Vettori will have the edge in the grappling realm and he is likely to incorporate a wrestling heavy game plan.
However, Whittaker’s wrestling is extremely underrated. The has the ability to take Vettori down himself but will likely use his skills to fend off the majority of attempts at least. This will force most of the fight to be played out on the feet where Whittaker has a slight advantage.
He is quicker, more powerful and had a wider array of attacks, in particular his kicks, but Vettori will make it a very tough fight fight and as ugly as he can. He will try and close the distance and chip Whittaker down in the clinch.
They are both made for five rounds so it will be interesting to see how they approach this three rounder. It will be very competitive and the aggressor will be the one to sway the judges and we are backing Whittaker’s class to shine through with his takedown defence and volume sealing the deal.
Prediction: Whittaker via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Vettori via Decision
