alexander-volkanovski-usatsi-ufc.jpg
Getty Images

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya insists he has never been more focused in his professional career than he is on reclaiming his belt from longtime rival Alex Pereira in their rematch Saturday in the main event of UFC 287. The five-round fight anchors the main UFC 287 fight card (10 p.m. ET) from Miami-Dade Arena in Miami. Adesanya emerged as one of the UFC's biggest stars behind a rapid rise to the top that saw him claim the middleweight belt and successfully defend it five times. But last November at UFC 281, he lost the crown via a fifth-round knockout at the hands of Pereira, who also defeated Adesanya twice in professional kickboxing. The former champion told the media this week that he has been laser focused, shutting down social media and all other potential distractions, in his quest to reclaim the title in Saturday's rematch.

The UFC 287 odds from Caesars Sportsbook lists Adesanya as the -135 favorite (risk $135 to win $100), and Pereira is priced at +115. In the co-main event, explosive welterweight contenders collide when Gilbert Burns (-500) takes on Jorge Masvidal (+375). Before making any UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 picks, make sure you see the MMA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani.

Vithlani is a highly analytical UFC bettor who profited more than $6,200 for $100 bettors in 2022. This includes a documented 24-14 record on his well-respected, two-leg parlays. Every pick was documented on his public Instagram account.

From breaking down film and following fighters and their camps closely, to tracking sharp action and betting market signals, Vithlani covers the breadth of the MMA betting landscape top to bottom. He also trains amateur boxers and speaks regularly with MMA fighters to understand the sport's nuances.

In his SportsLine debut at UFC 283 in January, Vithlani swept the main card and his 5-0 mark included telling SportsLine members to back Jamahal Hill (-125) against Glover Teixeira (+105) for the vacant light heavyweight title in the main event. Anyone who has followed him has seen massive returns.

Now, with UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 in sight, Vithlani has scoured the fight card top to bottom for value and released his top MMA picks. You can only see who to back at SportsLine.

UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 preview 

Adesanya (23-2) enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in the UFC that saw him fight for the title in just his fourth appearance with the promotion. He was noted for his flashy and extensive entrances along with clever but bold trash talk. He knocked out former champion Robert Whittaker in the second round of their October 2019 encounter to win the title and cement his status as one of the sport's biggest stars.

The 33-year-old New Zealander vowed to take on all qualified championship contenders, and kept his word by regularly defending the belt against top-ranked contenders. But his popularity dipped amid the perception that he was both easing his way through fights with a risk-averse style and running out of viable competitors in the division.

That all changed when the UFC decided to similarly fast-track his heated rival Pereira (7-1), who also earned a title shot in just his fourth appearance with the promotion. But his thudding knockout of then-surging contender Sean Strickland in July of last year was enough for the promotion's brass to conclude the Brazilian power puncher was ready for a title shot.

The 35-year-old confirmed that belief, despite appearing outclassed for the first four rounds. But instead of letting Adesanya coast to another lackluster decision win, the challenger found a late surge and stopped Adesanya with a flurry of punches. You can see who Vithlani is backing at SportsLine.

Top UFC 287 picks

We'll share one of Vithlani's UFC 287 picks here: He is going with Adrian Yanez (-180) to get his hand raised against Rob Font (+155) in a matchup of ranked bantamweight contenders on the main card.

Yanez (16-3) has emerged as one of the hottest prospects on the UFC roster behind a 5-0 start with the promotion that includes four finishes. The "Dana White's Contender Series" alum is noted for his athleticism and pinpoint striking that breaks down his opponents. The 29-year-old Texan also has become popular with fans because of his gregarious disposition away from the cage.

But the surging prospect is taking a step forward in competition against Font (19-6), who was once ranked No. 3 in the division and on the brink of a title shot before suffering consecutive losses against top-ranked opposition. Known for high-level boxing and frantic pace, the 35-year-old UFC veteran is coming off a decision loss to fellow slugger Marlon Vera last April.

"Font is tough, but he has taken some serious damage as of late. Skill-wise, this is a close matchup. But I'll take the speed, power and youth advantage in Yanez," Vithlani told SportsLine. You can see more picks at SportsLine.

How to make UFC 287 picks

Vithlani has strong picks for Pereira vs. Adesanya and other bouts on the UFC 287 card. He's also backing a fighter who "is in the best form of his career" to emerge with a dominant victory. Those picks are only available at SportsLine.

Who wins Pereira vs. Adesanya at UFC 287? And how exactly does each fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks on every fight at UFC 287, all from the MMA expert who profited more than $6,200 in 2022, and find out. 

UFC 287 odds, fight card

See full UFC 287 picks, predictions, best bets here.

Israel Adesanya (-135) vs. Alex Pereira (+115)
Gilbert Burns (-500) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+375)
Adrian Yanez (-190) vs. Rob Font (+160)
Kevin Holland (-250) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (+205)
Raul Rosas (-250) vs. Christian Rodriguez (+205)
Joe Pyfer (-190) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (+160)
Luana Pinheiro (-165) vs. Michelle Waterson (+140)
Kelvin Gastelum (-125) vs. Chris Curtis (+105)
Lupita Godinez (-270) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (+220)
Karl Williams (-455) vs. Chase Sherman (+345)
Jacqueline Amorim (-260) vs. Sam Hughes (+210)
Ignacio Bahamondies (-350) vs. Trey Ogden (+275)