Israel Adesanya analyzes Alex Poatan's fight at UFC 307 and predicts a knockout: 'He's going to kick and catch'

Adesanya (left) and Poatan (right) before the fight at UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @Stylebender)

The expectation for the UFC 307 only increases. And one of the main characters to give his opinion on the most anticipated confrontation of the night was Israel adesanya. In an interview with the 'Adam Carolla Show' podcast, the Nigerian, who has already had two close disputes with Alex Poatán, secured the Brazilian victory over Khalil rountree by knockout.

“I’m going with Pereira by knockout. I don’t know which round, but I feel like it’s going to be tough for Rountree to get past Alex’s range. He’s going to kick, kick, and he can catch Rountree when he tries to get in, because Rountree is going to attack him,” predicted the Nigerian.

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Adesanya's analysis goes in opposite of what you think Chael Sonnen, who believes in a surprising victory for Rountree.

"Chael Sonnen “I said Rountree is going to win. He thinks he’s going to sweep Pereira, and I was like, ‘What does he know that we don’t?’ I know it’s a fight and he can go in there and get the job done. But again, it’s hard to beat Pereira. I did it with him because I planned it. It’s possible, but Rountree needs to attack with sequences, not just one or two punches. The third or fourth punch is what could make the difference. We’ll see, it’s going to be a good fight, but I’m going with Pereira in the second or third round,” concluded Adesanya.

Adesanya's predictions for Poatan fights

In addition to his predictions for the UFC 307, Adesanya's history of predictions in fights involving Poatan also draws attention. In UFC 291, the Nigerian bet on Pereira's victory against Jan Blachowicz, highlighting the Brazilian's “firepower” and predicting a knockout. In UFC 295, however, he contradicted the Brazilian's favoritism and stated that Jiri Prochazka would come out victorious against Pereira. Already in UFC 300, bet on Jamahal hill by knockout, and in the UFC 303, again predicted Prochazka's victory against the Brazilian.

Rivalry between Poatan and Adesanya

The rivalry between Israel adesanya e Alex Poatán is marked by four combat sports clashes. In kickboxing, the Brazilian beat the Nigerian twice.

In MMA, the current champion knocked out the Nigerian in the fifth round to win the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg.) However, in the rematch in April 2023, Adesanya got revenge and beat Poatan for the first time in his career, also by knockout, in the second round.

The career sequence

Since then, Israel has stepped into the Octagon twice more, accumulating two losses, while Poatan has had a successful career. The Brazilian won Jan Blachowicz, won the light heavyweight belt by knocking out Jiri Prochazka and defended the title twice, against Jamahal hill e Jiri Prochazka.

Learn about Alex 'Poatan' Pereira's journey from his days in the tire shop to UFC stardom