UFC Fight Night 209 Betting: Whittaker vs. Vettori Game Analysis, Odds and Betting Picks (Saturday, September 3rd, 2022)

The top contenders in the middleweight division meet inside the octagon for a right to face champion Israel Adesanya in the future. Number one contender Robert Whittaker battles number two contender Marvin Vettori in a three-round clash on Saturday, September 3. The clash is one of the highlight bouts in the UFC Fight Night 209 card at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. Former UFC middleweight champion Whittaker looks to bounce back from a loss against Adesanya while Vettori aims to supplant the Australian as the number one contender for another opportunity to face the fighter known as “The Last Stylebender.” MMA fight odds slightly favor Whittaker in this fight as he is more skilled to beat an opponent like Vettori.

Robert Whittaker – Aiming to Regain the UFC Title

Whittaker (23-6) is no stranger when it comes to taking on the best fighters in the MMA world. He fought the likes of Adesanya and former contenders Kelvin Gastelum, Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Darren Till. The 29-fight veteran is known to have a granite chin as he only lost two times via knockout (against Adesanya and Stephen Thompson). The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes winner looks to use the bout against Vettori as a passport for another title opportunity against the winner of the championship bout between Adesanya and Alex Pereira in UFC 281 on November 12. 

The 31-year-old, Auckland-born fighter has a background in wrestling that he could use against Vettori’s takedown attempts. If the fight becomes a standup battle, Whittaker needs to use his speed and footwork to knock the Italian fighter off his rhythm. He must showcase his all-around game to defeat Vettori, who is known for his vicious takedowns and endurance on the mat.

Marvin Vettori – Wanting to get Another Crack at Adesanya

Losing to Adesanya twice does not bother the Italian number two middleweight contender. Instead, he is using those setbacks as extra motivation to secure another crack at the current UFC champion. However, Vettori (18-5-1) must hurdle Whittaker first and hope that Adesanya passes the test against Alex Pereira to gain that third fight. A win by the 28-year-old Trento native would put him as the top middleweight contender, placing him as the next fighter in line to challenge the 185-pound champion, whoever that is after November 12.

Vettori knows how to wrestle as he has trained with NCAA Division I wrestler and former UFC combatant Mark Muñoz. He is known for his vicious takedowns, so expect him to surge at Whittaker’s lower body and put him on the mat to gain an advantage. The Italian can also stand and bang as he is trained by Rafael Cordeiro to improve his striking. Vettori must use his striking and mat skills to outclass Whittaker and gain another shot at the middleweight title.

Robert Whittaker vs. Marvin Vettori Betting Numbers

Whittaker vs. Vettori Summary

This is one fight that could go to the judges’ scorecards once it goes the distance. Whittaker and Vettori are expected to fight on the mat as both fighters can wrestle. The fighter who can dictate the tempo early on will have a good advantage of winning the match and receive an immediate clash with the winner of the Adesanya-Pereira clash in November. Whittaker could end up winning via split decision if he can stop Vettori’s takedowns and enforce his will in the latter parts of the match, top online betting picks that covered the UFC for years have stated.