UFC 271 expert picks and best bets - How will Israel Adesanya-Robert Whittaker 2 and other key fights play out?

Israel Adesanya came up short in a bid to become a double champion last year, when he went up in weight against Jan Blachowicz. But thus far, he has been unbeatable at 185 pounds.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (23-5) is probably the division's best hope at changing that narrative. And he'll get his chance at UFC 271 on Saturday in Houston.

Adesanya (21-1) has already beaten Whittaker once, decisively. He knocked out the Aussie fighter in the second round of their title fight at UFC 243 in 2019. But Whittaker has clearly asserted himself as the division's second best. He is 11-1 overall as a UFC middleweight, and is riding a three-fight win streak over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum.

Who has the edge in this highly anticipated middleweight rematch? Brett Okamoto asked several experts for their breakdowns and predictions for Saturday's main event. In addition, ESPN's betting experts Reed Kuhn and Ian Parker offer their picks for Adesanya-Whittaker 2, as well as the rest of the UFC 271 card.

John Wood, Syndicate MMA

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya defends his title in a rematch against Robert Whittaker, and heavyweight contenders Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa face off in the co-main event.

Buy UFC 271 on ESPN+ PPV

UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 • Saturday, Toyota Center, Houston • Main card: 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV • Prelims: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+ • Early prelims: 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+

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How Adesanya wins: Adesanya does expose himself to getting hit sometimes, He lunges in with his hands down and takes risks, but he gets away with it because he's