UFC 285: Fan favorite Derek Brunson returns to the octagon this weekend. The 38-year-old American will face rising star Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC 285 prelims. And as the two middleweights prepare to steal the show, we preview the Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis fight and give our prediction. Follow UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
READ ALSO: UFC 285: Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso: Preview, Prediction and Odds
All eyes this weekend will be on the main event and the co-main event. Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane will evidently be the main focus. However, the main card and prelims feature some interesting fights. And the Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis fight is one such fight.
UFC 285: Derek Brunson vs Dricus du Plessis: Preview, Prediction and Latest Betting Odds
UFC 285: Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis preview and prediction
Derek Brunson comes into this fight on the back of a loss and not fighting since February 2022. Du Plessis, on the other, comes into the contest on the back of an impressive win against Darren Till in December. Therefore, the South African has been the more active fighter.
When we compare their physical attributes, Brunson and Du Plessis are almost identical. Brunson stands at 6’1”, has a 77” punching reach, and a 43” leg reach. Du Plessis stands at 6’1”, has a 76” punching reach, and a 43” leg reach. Thus, this is a sign it will be a very close contest.
Despite this, when we compare their stats, we can see Du Plessis’ dominance. The South African lands almost twice the number of punches per minute as Derek Brunson. And while the two get the same number of takedowns per fight, Du Plessis has a better accuracy and submission average. As a result, Du Plessis has a slight advantage in all departments.
Our prediction: Dricus Du Plessis beats Derek Brunson by TKO.
Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis latest betting odds for UFC 285
Despite Derek Brunson being the higher-ranked fighter at number 5 compared to Du Plessis’ number 10 rank, the American goes into the fight as the underdog. Official odds show Du Plessis as a -225 favorite, while Brunson is a +190 underdog for UFC 285.
This is no surprise considering Brunson’s last fight and Du Plessis’ recent rise. However, the sport is such that one second can change everything. Therefore, it is still a small risk to betting against Brunson and his experience.
What do you make of the Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis fight? Who do you think will win?
Follow UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
