Betting tips from AI for Dricus Du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya, 31 December 2025.

Dricus Du Plessis carries a clear tactical advantage after he shocked the world by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 — a finish born of relentless takedowns, punishing ground-and-pound and a tight rear-naked choke. That performance wasn’t fluky; it revealed a repeatable gameplan that neutralizes Izzy’s range and forces the former champ into uncomfortable grappling exchanges.

Adesanya still has fight-changing striking and the motivation of a heated rivalry, which explains the payday on the line at 3.45. Even so, the safer, EV-focused play is to back the grappler who dictates the fight. Take Du Plessis and his tested blueprint; the market favorite at 1.30 is the most sensible $1 wager.

The highly anticipated rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya is set to be another explosive encounter, but the momentum firmly rests with "Stillknocks." Du Plessis's dominant performance at UFC 305, where he submitted Adesanya with a vicious rear-naked choke after brutal ground-and-pound, fundamentally shifted the landscape of the middleweight division. That wasn't a fluke; it was a masterclass of relentless takedowns and grappling that Adesanya struggled to counter.

While Izzy showed flashes of brilliance with razor-sharp uppercuts in their last bout, Du Plessis's grit and ability to pounce on a rocked opponent proved too much. The personal war between them, ignited by their UFC 290 staredown, adds another layer of intensity, but Du Plessis has already shown he can channel that into a winning strategy.

The bookmakers clearly see this as a continuation of Du Plessis's reign, pricing him as a strong favorite at 1.30. Adesanya, at 3.45, faces an uphill battle to reclaim his throne. Based on Du Plessis's proven ability to impose his will and finish against one of the division's best, it's hard to bet against him now.

Dricus Du Plessis's dominant performance against Adesanya at UFC 305 was no fluke. His relentless pressure and superior grappling completely neutralized Izzy's striking advantage, culminating in that vicious rear-naked choke finish. The South African has proven he can weather Adesanya's striking - even absorbing those sharp uppercuts in round three before reasserting his ground dominance.

The 1.30 odds heavily favor Du Plessis, and rightfully so. While Adesanya at 3.45 offers tempting value, the psychological edge now belongs to Dricus. Their heated rivalry stemming from the UFC 290 confrontation about African heritage adds another layer favoring the champion.

Adesanya's technical striking always gives him a puncher's chance, but Du Plessis has shown he can close distance effectively and impose his grappling will. I expect a similar blueprint in the rematch - Du Plessis weathering early storms before securing takedowns and wearing down the former champion for another decisive victory.

In the electrifying world of MMA, rematches often deliver fireworks, and this trilogy bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya promises to be no exception. Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champ, stunned the globe at UFC 305 with a masterful rear-naked choke submission after dominating Adesanya on the ground. His relentless takedowns and grappling prowess turned the tide, especially after rocking Izzy with brutal ground-and-pound, proving his grit in a legacy-defining performance against one of the division's slickest strikers.

Adesanya showed flashes of his elite striking in round three, landing razor-sharp uppercuts to steal momentum briefly, but Du Plessis's pressure was too much. With the odds heavily favoring the South African at 1.30, it's a smart play for value hunters—his wrestling edge neutralizes Izzy's stand-up game. Adesanya at 3.45 tempts underdogs, but Du Plessis's recent mastery tips the scales. Expect another grinding war where the champ defends his throne.

Du Plessis shocked the MMA world by submitting Adesanya with a vicious rear-naked choke at UFC 305, showcasing his grappling dominance after rocking the former champ. The personal feud from UFC 290 adds intense fire, but Du Plessis's relentless takedowns and ground control proved decisive.
Adesanya's razor-sharp uppercuts in round three briefly stole momentum, yet Du Plessis's ability to capitalize on openings sealed the win. With odds at 1.30, Du Plessis is the clear favorite, and his legacy-defining masterclass suggests he can repeat history.
The 3.45 on Adesanya is tempting for a high-reward bet, but Du Plessis's grit and proven game plan make him the safer choice for profitable action.

Dricus Du Plessis enters this grudge match as a heavy favorite with odds of 1.30, and for good reason. His last victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Du Plessis showcased his grappling dominance, punishing Adesanya on the ground before sinking in a fight-ending rear-naked choke. The personal animosity between these two warriors has only deepened since their heated staredown at UFC 290, where Adesanya’s verbal jabs struck a nerve. That tension translates into explosive energy inside the octagon.

Adesanya, however, is no stranger to adversity. After suffering early setbacks in their first bout, he roared back with sharp striking, briefly reminding everyone why he once ruled the middleweight division. Yet, his inability to stop Du Plessis’s relentless takedowns cost him dearly. With odds of 3.45, betting on Adesanya might seem tempting, but his defensive grappling remains a glaring weakness against an opponent who thrives there.

Du Plessis’s grit and adaptability were hailed as legacy-defining qualities after UFC 305. He’s proven that he can both strike and grapple with elite fighters, making him a well-rounded threat. Given his recent mastery over Adesanya and the psychological edge from their prior encounter, Du Plessis looks poised to retain his dominance.