The beauty of a rematch means that when it comes to analysing the upcoming fight, we have groundwork to pass judgement on. Although it was three years ago, the first match-up still gives a strong indication as to how it will play out in June, particularly from a stylistic viewpoint.
Despite Vettori's recent comments, the first bout was relatively straightforward for Izzy. The first two rounds were fought as a kick-boxing fight, with the Nigerian maintaining range well, utilising his head movement to slip punches, moving around the Octagon on the back foot. The Italian was arguably more the aggressor, but his punches did little damage, with his only success coming through a few nasty body kicks.
Those opening rounds were to an extent, 'typical Adesanya', lurking for counters and also being able to time and land a few hard hitting jabs. It must be noted though, that Vettori is a durable figure, and he never once looked in danger of being stopped.
The third round, however, is where the challenger can take motivation from. The Kings MMA trainee highlighted a hole in Adesanya's game, getting him to the ground and making him look a tad helpless on his back. It was very reminiscent to Israel's most recent bout, where the thicker and more muscular Jan Błachowicz pinned him down and won rounds via ground control.
We have no doubt that the Italian Dream will pursue this avenue, and perhaps consider it his most likely method for a victory. Over five rounds, he should look to accumulate points from the judges from doing exactly this, as on the feet, we expect Adesanya to once again be too slick and too sharp for him.
The betting odds reflect such a thinking, giving the champion a short outright price at 4/11, with the challenger being a 2/1 underdog.