UFC 254 Card Odds: Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier Prediction

UFC 254 sees a co-main event between No. 1 contender Robert Whittaker and No. 2 contender Jared Cannonier for the next shot at the middleweight title against division champion Israel Adesanya.

The Top-2 contenders of any division guarantee an entertaining fight and at middleweight this has potential to be one of the best non-title fights of the year.  Cannonier is favoured by the slimmest of margins at -120 on the MMA odds.

Robert Whittaker UFC 254 Odds

Former middleweight champion Whittaker (22-5) is looking for another shot at the title after losing the belt to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 last October.  In his last 11 fights, the KO defeat to Adesanya stands as his only loss. His wins include two straight decisions over Yoel Romero and a unanimous decision win over Darren Till in July.

As a natural middleweight, the 29-year-old Whittaker is the faster and more agile fighter. He hits hard and is technically sound. He averages more significant strikes landed per minute (4.82 for Whittaker, 3.62 for Cannonier), a better takedown accuracy 57 per cent for Whittaker, 37 per cent for Cannonier) and a better takedown defense (84 per cent for Whittaker, 44 per cent for Cannonier). Whittaker is also a proven wrestler so if this fight lands on the ground, expect him to have the edge.

Jared Cannonier UFC 254 Odds

The 36-year-old Cannonier (13-4) has stabilized his record since dropping down to middleweight. After three losses in four fights at light heavyweight, including ending his light heavyweight career with two straight losses, Cannonier has used his light heavyweight power to roll off three straight TKO victories at middleweight. He hasn’t gone past 39 seconds of the second round in his new division.

Cannonier is the more straightforward fighter, preferring to rely on patience to stalk his opponents and wait for the best time to strike. He’s likely the stronger fighter and holds a four-inch reach advantage over Whittaker. That could be pivotal as 51 per cent of his significant strikes land (compared to 40 per cent for Whittaker) and he only absorbs 2.76 significant strikes per minute (compared to 3.65 for Whittaker). If this is a standup fight, Cannonier’s power and reach give him a clear advantage.

Whittaker vs. Cannonier UFC 254 Prediction

Both fighters generally like to wait out their opponents, but as this is a three-round fight they will need to work fast.  Whittaker is quick and will be able to dodge Cannonier’s attack, but it won’t last. Expect Cannonier’s striking to beat down Whittaker and earn his fourth straight KO/TKO victory over the former champ.