5 hard-hitting predictions for Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker

#4. Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson - UFC welterweight

Stephen Thompson predicts Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2

Alongside Israel Adesanya, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson is one of the most prolific strikers on the UFC roster. Having fought Robert Whittaker before, Thompson has a hunch regarding how the title fight rematch will play out.

The welterweight star is of the opinion that Whittaker will run into significant problems whenever he faces a counter striker. That, coupled with Adesanya's momentum, leads Thompson to believe that Saturday's bout will be a repeat of the first fight. In an episode of MMA Pros Picks, Thompson stated:

"Man, Adesanya seems untouchable at this point, man. He seems untouchable. He's like cleared the division out, but the person that I think would give him the most problems is Whittaker. I think Whittaker learned from his last one. I think his striking is on par with Adesanya, especially his karate movements, head kicks, and takedown defense. It's going to be a stand-up war. But, uh, the counter striking of Adesanya is where Whittaker's going to have his problems. I think that's how I ended up defeating him as well, was just the counter-punching he had problems with. So I'm going to, I'm leaning towards Adesanya."

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Official UFC 271 pick: Israel Adesanya

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#3. Dan Hardy - Former UFC welterweight title challenger

Dan Hardy predicts Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2

Despite what the betting odds might suggest, combat sports extraordinaire Dan Hardy sees a path to victory for Robert Whittaker. One of the most revered minds in MMA, Hardy believes the Australian challenger will try to catch Israel Adesanya with a submission.

Appearing on the Full Reptile podcast, he said:

"In this one I think Robert Whittaker is going to do it, I think he might catch him in a submission and line up the trilogy, then Adesanya will take it back."

In a separate interview with Submission Radio, Hardy explained how he sees Whittaker submitting Adesanya:

"When he scrambles he gives his back and if Vettori can take his back even for a moment, I've got to think Whittaker is going to be able to as well. I think he's fancying a submission. I don't want to give away any of his game plan, I'm just guessing here, but you know I would think arm triangles and rear-naked chokes all day for Whittaker in the fourth and fifth round."

Official UFC 271 pick: Robert Whittaker