12up Logo

UFC 248: 3 Bold Predictions for Israel Adesanya vs Yoel Romero

By Evan Wolff

At age 42, Yoel Romero is looking to rock the balance of the UFC and claim the Middleweight title.
At age 42, Yoel Romero is looking to rock the balance of the UFC and claim the Middleweight title. / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The hype is building by the second as the moment for the UFC 248 main event draws ever closer. The incumbent Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been heaped with praise over his fighting ability, and many expect him to retain his belt at the end of the night. However, Yoel Romero has never looked more motivated in his entire career. Before tomorrow's face-punching festival kicks off, here are three bold predictions of Adesanya vs Romero.

3. Yoel Romero Will Score the First Knockdown of the Fight

Both these fighters take huge pride in their boxing prowess. Despite Yoel Romero coming from a wrestling background, he has showcased fight-stopping power numerous times during his career. I would argue Adesanya has never faced someone as intimidating as this, and it will cause him to come out conservative. That may just open the door for Romero to land one big punch and startle the seemingly unbeatable Adesanya.

2. Adesanya Will Knock Out Yoel Romero

Another underrated aspect of Adesanya's fight game is his ability to take a punch. So while he may be caught off by the power of Yoel Romero, he has enough wherewithal to recover and show his championship mettle in the later rounds. He will catch Yoel in one of Adesanya's patented punch flurry's and by the time the referee steps in, he will have cemented his place as one of the best fighters in the UFC.

1. Adesanya Will Call Out Jon Jones

This fight has been teased ever since Adesanya started backing up his public proclamations of his skill with performances in the octagon to match. However, each time it has been brought up to Jones, he dismisses it as another fighter attempting to use his stature as a springboard for their own career. However, should Adesanya defend his belt successfully, it may be a challenge that becomes too loud to ignore for Jones.

Will that fight happen at Middleweight? Most likely not. However, a chance to a massive pay day in the UFC will be an opportunity that neither fighter will pass up on.