Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya are ready to throw down and figure out who is truly the best middleweight in the world as they face off in the main event of UFC 243 on Saturday night from Melbourne, Australia. The card is light on impactful fights between ranked opponents, but the main event is as legit as it comes, and there’s sure to be some big finishes throughout the evening.
New Zealand’s Adesanya 17 – 0) has been very active since joining UFC, fighting six times in the Octagon since 2018. On the flip side, Whittaker has dealt with knee injuries, staph infection, an abdominal hernia and a twisted and collapsed bowel over the past few years, leading to a sharp dip in his activity. Whittaker has, however, become a legitimate international-level amateur wrestler while maintaining his UFC career and dealing with physical setbacks. Now, the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked fighters in the world at 185 pounds are ready to throw down in front of the Australian fans.
Can’t get enough UFC?Subscribe to our podcast State of Combat with Brian Campbellwhere we break down everything you need to know in the Octagon.
Plus, Adesanya’s teammate at City MMA, Dan Hooker, is back in the co-main event when he takes on UFC veteran Al Iaquinta in a lightweight bout. Hooker is coming off a TKO win over James Vick while Iaquinta suffered a decision loss to Donald Cerrone in his last bout. The card will also feature bouts between Tai Tuivasa and Sergey Spivak, Dhiego Lima and Luke Jumeau, and Justin Tafa and Yorgan De Castro.
Below is all the information you need to catch the UFC 243 event on Saturday night.
How to watch UFC 243 prelims
Date:Saturday, Oct. 5Location:Marvel Stadium – Melbourne, Australia
Time: 8 pm ET
Stream: Watch ESPN |Channel:ESPN 2
How to watch UFC 243 main card
Date:Saturday, Oct. 5Location:Marvel Stadium – Melbourne, Australia
Time:10 pm ET
Stream:ESPN |Price: $ 59. 99
Now, here’s a look at the UFC 243 main fight card and betting odds via MGM.
UFC 243 main card, odds
Israel Adesanya – 120 |
Robert Whittaker ( c) – 110 |
Middleweight title |
Dan Hooker – 140 |
Al Iaquinta 110 |
(Lightweight |
Tua Tuivasa – 370 |
Sergey Spivak 300 |
Heavyweight |
Dhiego Lima – |
Luke Jumeau 110 |
Welterweight |
Justin Tafa – 125 |
Yorgan De Castro – 105 |
Heavyweight |
Who wins Adesanya vs. Whittaker, and how exactly does each fight end?Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks on every fight at UFC 243, all from the incomparable expert who’s up nearly $ 21, 000 on MMA in the past year, and find out.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings