Marvin Vettori vs Jared Cannonier Prediction: UFC Fight Night Odds

Edgar Chaput
June 15, 2023

The “Italian Dream” and the “Killa Gorilla” go toe-to-toe at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s the old guard versus the younger generation.

The UFC odds currently place the Italian Vettori as a -140 favourite and the American Cannonier at +110.

Marvin Vettori -150
Jared Cannonier +120

Marvin Vettori UFC Fight Night

Only 29 years of age, Vettori has already made a name for himself in mixed martial arts, sporting a handsome 19-6-1 record. Training out of Mezzocorona, Italy, the Trento native has earned himself a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

He’s only fought three bouts since October 2021 when he went up against Paulo Costa at UFC Fight Night. He was not only good enough to win the fight via unanimous decision but in such a manner as to earn Performance of the Night honours. That was followed by a rescheduled tilt against Robert Whittaker in September 2022 at Fight Night 209, which he succumbed to based on a unanimous decision from the judges. Most recently was his challenge against Roman Dolidze, who he defeated, again based on a decision, at UFC 286.

Vettori is a bit heavier than Cannonier, weighing 206.00 lbs to his rival’s 185.5. On the flip side, his reach isn’t nearly as extensive, maxing out at 74 inches to the American’s 77.5. It’s interesting to note that so many of his recent bouts were decided by judges given that 50 per cent of his victories actually come via submissions. His 4.38 major hits per 60 seconds are pretty good, as are the 3.65 he takes. He grapples a lot more than Cannonier, attempting 1.77 takedowns every 15 minutes whereas Cannonier only goes for 0.17.

Jared Cannonier UFC Fight Night

Born in Dallas, Texas, Jared Cannonier opts to train out of Anchorage, Alaska. Interesting choice for someone hailing from a location as hot as Texas. The 39-year-old has climbed the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ladder enough to obtain a purple belt.

Cannonier stepped into the octagon three times in 2022, and this Saturday’s bout will be his first of 2023. In January of last year, he was supposed to face Derek Brunson, but the fight was pushed to February at UFC 271, where he vanquished his foe via a round two knockout. This awarded him Performance of the Night. His big chance came in July when he and Israel Adesanya contended for the Middleweight Championship, but the it slipped through his fingers as he lost via unanimous decision. His last tussle was in December versus Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night, which he won thanks to a split decision.

If there is one thing to look out for, it’s the “Killa Gorilla’s” ability to claim victory through KO and TKO. That happens an impressive 67 per cent of the time, with the balance split between submissions and decisions. Of note, when it comes to significant strikes, his numbers and those of Vettori are rather even. He can land 4 every minute and absorb 3.86, so there isn’t much separating the two in this regard. Given how often Vettori likes to try takedowns, Cannonier’s 64 per cent defence will be of utmost importance.