Israel Adesanya has some interesting thoughts on the UFC 291 fight against Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira.
Adesanya has fought both Blachowicz and Pereira in his career – and lost to both men – so he is familiar with both of their styles. Although Blachowicz is the betting favorite, Adesanya believes the Brazilian’s power will be too much for the Pole and he will get a KO win.
Adesanya shares prediction for Blachowicz-Pereira
“If Jan does what I think he’s gonna do, he’s gonna get caught with a left hook. I don’t think this goes the distance. If it does, Jan wins. I felt [Blachowicz’s power]. I think Alex hits harder. It’s just the way he throws, the technique he throws with, the technique he grounds himself. He’s not running, he’s not moving and throwing,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.
“He sits when he gets you where he wants you. Especially against the fence. He’ll sit there and throw, so that’s how he’s able to hit harder,” Adesanya continued. “Jan could definitely learn how to hit harder but if Jan gets him down, I think he’s just going to control him there for three rounds. I’m going Alex by knockout.”
Part of the reason why Israel Adesanya expects Alex Pereira to KO Jan Blachowicz is due to the fact he doesn’t think the Pole will be able to get the Brazilian down.
Adesanya knows Pereira is well prepared for the takedowns and will be able to stuff them and on the feet, ‘The Last Stylebender’ says it’s just a matter of time until he lands the KO shot.
“These are two guys that I’ve fought, two guys that have both beat me. So, it’s interesting to see how does that matchup play into each other? Also, there’s different elements as well. The grappling element. Jan might just try and do that early on and take away his power, his chances of striking and wear him down,” Adesanya said. “I think it will be on the feet. Jan’s definitely going to try and take it down. He’s not stupid. Alex, just f*****g use that knee. He knows how to time it well but that’s when he’s offensive. Defensively, if someone’s shooting on him or someone’s coming in, you have to drill that and have that in your arsenal sometimes if they do a sloppy takedown, you’re able to defy that.”
The winner of Blachowicz-Pereira at UFC 291 is expected to fight for the vacant title next time out.
