Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
This weekend’s UFC action comes from Las Vegas, as Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier headline the card. Once again we’ve called upon our UFC expert, Bobbie Jackson, who is here with all his predictions for the UFC 276 card plus a bit more analysis on the main event.
You can also find his 24/1 fivefold accumulator for the event below!
UFC 276 predictions & accumulator
UFC 276 Main Event preview
Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier
Best Bet: Israel Adesanya to win by KO, TKO or DQ
Israel Adesanya has already sealed his place as one of the greatest to ever step into the octagon and he has a chance to further cement his legacy at UFC 276. The Nigerian defends his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier in the main event and another KO/TKO win looks extremely likely.
Cannonier has excelled since moving into the division, winning five of his six fights, including a TKO victory over Anderson Silva. But his one loss at 185lbs came against Robert Whittaker and that defeat gives an indication as to how his contest with Adesanya might play out.
Adesanya beat Whittaker to win the title at UFC 243 in 2019 and he successfully defended against the Australian when last seen in February. The Last Stylebender is regarded as one of the best strikers in the UFC and he should find plenty of opportunities to let his hands go against Cannonier.
With 15 victories by KO or TKO already under his belt, Adesanya, who boasts a two-and-a-half-inch reach advantage, looks set to add another to his tally.
Alexander Volkanovski v Max Holloway
Best Bet: Fight to go the distance – YES
Alexander Volkanovski puts his featherweight belt on the line against Max Holloway in the co-main.
This is set to be the third meeting between the pair with Volkanovski sealing back-to-back decision victories over Holloway at UFC 245 and UFC 251.
Holloway has bounced back to see off Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez, earning dominant decision wins, while Volkanvski has extended his winning streak to 21 with wins against Brian Ortega and The Korean Zombie.
The two previous contests were extremely tight and many argue Holloway should have been handed the win in their second bout.
There’s every reason to believe this one will also go the distance between two very evenly matched fights, especially when considering Holloway’s record.
The former champion has gone the distance in 16 of his 29 fights.
Sean Strickland vs Alex Pereira
Best Bet: Alex Pereira to win
After transitioning from kickboxing to MMA, Alex Pereira has attracted plenty of hype with the UFC. He is 5-1 as a mixed martial artist and is 2-0 since making his UFC debut in November.
The Brazilian is yet to force his way into the top 15 but successive knockout wins have led many to suggest another victory against Sean Strickland could earn him a shot at the title.
Strickland is ranked #4 after returning to 185lbs and embarking on a five-fight win streak to take his overall record to 25-3.
Pereira is the stronger fighter on the feet and he boasts a 73% takedown defence, which he’ll need to rely on to keep Strickland at bay.
Pedro Munhoz vs Sean O’Malley
Best Bet: Sean O’Malley to win by KO, TKO or DQ
Sean O’Malley has been tipped as a future title contender at bantamweight and his next test comes against Pedro Munhoz.
O’Malley’s only career loss came against Marlon Vera at UFC 252 but he’s since bounced back to win his following three fights in convincing fashion.
Munhoz has earned some big wins during his 27-fight career but his best days appear to be firmly in the past.
The 35-year-old has lost his last two contests and has picked up only one win from his last five trips to the octagon.
With 11 of his 15 wins coming by KO or TKO, O’Malley looks set to chalk up another win in that column.
Ian Garry vs Gabriel Green
Best Bet: Ian Garry to win
Former Cage Warriors champion Ian Garry has settled into his career with the UFC, securing two wins, including a stunning KO victory over Jordan Williams on debut.
Gabriel Green is his latest opponent with the American also looking to build momentum after successive wins.
Garry, aged 24, is still developing and needs time to mature but he looks destined for big things in the UFC and he shouldn’t encounter too many problems against Green.
Where to watch UFC 276 & what time does it start?
UFC 276 will be broadcast exclusively on BT Sport after they extended their existing partnership, with the event available to watch on BT Sport 1HD, the BT Sport app and the BT Sport website.
UK coverage will begin at 1am on Sunday, 2nd July with the prelim bouts before the main card gets going at around 3am.
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