The build-up to UFC 293 has been anything but quiet. Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland have had plenty to say before they meet in the main event, and it’ll likely continue in the immediate aftermath of the conclusion.
They will face off on the other side of the world to crown a champion, where they’ll be accompanied by a slew of fascinating fighters in UFC’s latest pay-per-view.
Who should you bet? And what should you look for? We have UFC 293 covered in its entirety. Let’s dive in.
UFC 293 Main Event Odds
To Win: Israel Adesanya (-650) • Sean Strickland (+470)
In terms of main event odds, these are sizable. While Adensanya has not been perfect over the past two years, the oddsmakers and betting public clearly don’t see this as much of a contest.
UFC odds for this report were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are fresh as of Wednesday, Sept. 6.
UFC 293 Pick of the Day
Continue reading for more UFC 293 betting tips and event details.
UFC 293 Card & Schedule
The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia will play host to UFC 293. It’s the first time UFC has visited Sydney since 2017.
The early prelims will start at 6 p.m. ET, with the prelims starting at 8 p.m. The main event will kick off at 10 p.m.
- Middleweight Championship: Israel Adesanya (c) vs Sean Strickland
- Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov
- Flyweight: Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos
- Heavyweight: Justin Tafa vs Austen Lane
- Light Heavyweight: Tyson Pedro vs Anton Turkalj
UFC 293 Main Event: Adesanya vs Strickland
Adesanya Defeats Strickland (Knockout)
Although he’s 2-2 in his last four fights, Strickland will get a crack at the title. He’s undoubtedly a much different type of fighter than what Adesanya has seen: raw, unorthodox, and dangerous.
The problem? Adesanya has seen plenty of styles, and he’s fought fighters that present more danger than Strickland. He’s creative, and we’ve seen how his power can also translate to knockouts. Just ask Alex Pereira.
This fight feels like it will reach a similar conclusion. Adesanya finds the moment and ends the fight early.
UFC 293 Main Event Best Bet
Adesanya By KO/TKO/DQ (+100)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The value is downright horrid for a main event, so we’re going the finishing route.
Adesanya might take a few moments to figure out Strickland’s unique style, but it won’t take long for him to settle in. He’s significantly better — it’s really that simple — making this my UFC pick of the day.
UFC 293 Undercard Predictions
Tuivasa Defeats Volkov (Knockout)
While Tuivasa is coming off back-to-back losses, this is an opportunity to get right.
Volkov has five inches in both height and reach, although Tuivasa has the style to counter. Tuivasa’s speed and power should be a perfect counter to Volkov’s size.
After a tough stretch, Tuivasa breaks through.
Kape Defeats dos Santos (Decision)
Kape has found a rhythm after a string of losses, and his three-fight win streak could continue to grow with a win. He’s explosive, but he’s also fighting smarter.
Staying away from the mat (and potential submissions) will be crucial in this spot.
If it hits the floor, dos Santos could be a problem, but an evolved Kape keeps the fight on the feet, and he wins a unanimous decision as a result.
Tafa Defeats Lane (Knockout)
This won’t be the first time these two have fought.
The first fight, which took place in June, ended after less than a minute following a Lane eye poke. The end result of the nasty injury was a no contest, although the two are running it back.
Tafa wasn’t happy with the no contest or the eye poke. Motivation, however, isn’t needed here. Tafa is the better fighter, and it will be evident when he ends this one early.
Turkalj Defeats Pedro (Decision)
Both fighters are coming off of losses, and they’ve each had plenty of tough moments over their last five fights.
We’re rolling with Turkalj, although it’s a difficult fight to figure out. Because of the lack of recent success for both fighters of late, settling on a victor isn’t easy.
Turkalj scores the decision.
UFC 293 Undercard Best Bets
Tafa Defeats Lane by Knockout (-165)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This fight won’t go the distance, and the expectation is that Tafa will be the one standing. Either way, this fight won’t last long.
Kape vs dos Santos Goes Distance (+180)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
I love the value, and I think a much more patient Kape could make for a longer fight than oddsmakers expect.
Tuivasa To Win By KO/TKO/DQ (+300)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
If Tuivasa plans to win, it will likely need to be by this method. At (+300) on UFC betting sites, he’s worth taking a swing at.
Carlos Ulberg Defeats Da Woon Jung (-280)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
We head to the prelims, and this is a fight I have my eye on. Ulberg’s last three fights have been first-round knockouts.
