4 bold predictions for UFC 287, including another loss for Jorge Masvidal

This matchup between Adesanya and Pereira is fascinating. The New Zealander will go down as one of the great middleweights of all time, however, legends are rarely so badly owned by one fighter.

If Adesanya wants to be among the immortals of the sport, he absolutely must win this fight. Another loss forever places him a step below his long-time rival and greatly changes the narrative around his impressive fighting career.

What makes it all the more interesting is that the bout is also a matchup of truly elite fighters that are evenly matched with a result that can go either way. But in this case, expect Adesanya to score sweet revenge.

• Odds: Pereira (+130) vs. Adesanya (-150)
• Prediction: Adesanya by TKO, Round 3

Gilbert Burns (21-5) vs. Jorge Masvidal (35-16)

Two years ago, Jorge Masvidal would have been the favorite in his upcoming scrap with Gilbert Burns, and likely by a big number. My how the times have changed.

The two meet at UFC 287 with “Gamebred” on a three-fight losing skid and Burns among the elites of the welterweight division. In many ways, this is still a good matchup for Masvidal. However, his age (38) and long his long history in the sport is problematic at this level of the fight game.

With the Brazilian being a bit closer to his physical peak, look for that to play a part as he grounds and submits the American at UFC 287.

• Odds: Burns (-450) vs. Masvidal (+360)
• Prediction: Burns by submission, Round 2

Kevin Holland (23-9) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-6)

Kevin Holland vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio is a matchup that has fight-of-the-night potential. Both are down to scrap, can finish foes early, and aren’t looking to win fights on the mat. However, the pairing favors ”Trailblazer” much more since his weaknesses have long been dominant wrestlers.

Ponzinibbio is very tough and packs a serious bunch, but his foe will have a speed and size advantage on fight night. This will spell trouble for him he is likely to be handed his fourth loss in his last six bouts.

• Odds: Holland (-280) vs. Ponzinibbio (+230)
• Prediction: Holland by KO, Round 1

Kelvin Gastelum (16-8) vs. Chris Curtis (30-9)

Kelvin Gastelum’s scrap with Chris Curtis is another matchup that has FOTN possibilities. But it’s also a fascinating piece of matchmaking because both are in very different places in their respective careers.

Curtis has been highly entertaining in winning four of five bouts since his long sought-after debut with the promotion two years ago. While Gastelum — a man who nearly won the middleweight crown a few years back — has lost five of six and is in desperate need of a victory.

While Gastelum has had trouble staying healthy and active in the cage, he is still in his prime and the more skilled fighter. That should show at UFC 287 and that’s why he will score his first victory in two years at the event.

• Odds: Gastelum (+115) vs. Curtis (-135)
• Prediction: Gastelum by TKO, Round 2