Whittaker vs Vettori betting tips & odds – UFC Fight Night Paris

Australia’s Robert Whittaker (24-6-0) will be looking to get back in the winner’s circle when he faces Italy’s Marvin Vettori (18-5-1) in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night this Sunday (AEST) in Paris, France.

Whittaker was the first Australian fighter to make a serious splash in the UFC. He won the interim middleweight belt in July 2017 with a win over Yoel Romero and was later promoted to undisputed champ when Georges St-Pierre stepped aside for health reasons. This achievement gave the sport a huge lift down under and paved the way for future stars like current pound-for-pound king Aleksander Volkanovski.

Since June 2014, Whittaker has fought on 14 occasions and only lost twice, to the same man – his nemesis, Israel Adesanya. If the Adesanya losses could be miraculously expunged from his record, Whittaker would be regarded as one of the finest middleweights to ever lace a glove in MMA.

The Aussie is a hardworking, salt-of-the-earth type of character who gives his all every time he enters the octagon. He has dispatched some huge names in recent times, including fellow title contenders Kelvin Gastelum, Darren Till, and Jared Cannonier.

Whittaker is an effective striker with knockout power and solid takedown defence. He is also an astute tactician who can adapt in real time to counter the efforts of his opponent. This was evidenced in his win over Till in a fight reminiscent of a chess match.

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Vettori has also endured two losses at the hands of Adesanya and might have worn the gold middleweight belt had the New Zealander opted to play another sport. Vettori has won six of his last eight bouts, five of which were settled via decision. This includes wins over Paulo Costa, Kevin Holland, and Jack Hermansson.

The obvious criticism of Vettori is his reluctance or inability to finish fights. UFC judges are renowned for their occasionally diabolical scoring, and entrusting them with your fate can slow any fighter’s career trajectory.

Vettori complained bitterly following his second decision loss to Adesanya, energy that would be better channelled toward finishing the man opposite. The Italian clearly lost the fight and earned the ire of fellow competitors by whinging about the points awarded during the five-round contest.

Vettori is also primarily a striker of late, although his early career is dotted with a string of submission victories. His first five MMA victories all came via submission, and he might be well served putting those skills to use against Whittaker.

That said, we are expecting a strategic, stand-up contest to unfold here. If that plays out, Whittaker should produce the superior output needed to grab the win. He has spoken about moving up a division to light heavyweight, so this may be the last time he graces the octagon in the 185-pound division.

Best bet for Whittaker vs Vettori