UFC 281 Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira: How to Watch, Start Times, Predictions

UFC 281 is here, the last trulymegaUFC card of 2022.

This is not a PPV you’re able to afford to miss.

At the top of the card is Israel Adesanya.

One of the UFC’s biggest stars, he defends his UFC middleweight title against a surging Alex Pereira.

This time round, the normally unbeatable Adesanya could have a minor chink in his armor.

Adesanya, currently unbeaten at middleweight, has been defeated not once, buttwiceby Pereira in kickboxing matchups.

But this isn’t kickboxing, it’s mixed martial arts.

And Adesanya’s kickboxing bouts with Pereira come with caveats.

In the first match, Pereira was gifted a decision many thought Adesanya won.

And outside that fight, UFC 281 isstacked.

We’ve got a second title fight featuring Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili.

Look for Zhang Weili to go full beserker mode here.

I expect Esparza could get steamrolled.

Outside of that we’ve got a certified banger in Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler.

The legendary Frankie Edgar also has his retirement match against Chris Gutierrez.

For a few reasons.

Number two: MMA is different.

The range is different, the way you defend with four ounce gloves is different.

In my opinion it plays into Adesanya’s skillset.

He’s not trying to deflect shots with gloves.

He’s countering, he’s parrying, he’s controlling distance with kicks and circling out.

I expect Adesanya to make this look relatively easy over a five round decision.

Carla Esparza vs. Zhang WeiliZhang Weili by knockout.

Too strong, too fast, too technical.

This is a terrible match-up for Esparza.

I’ll be shocked if Weili loses this.

Dustin Poirier vs. Michael ChandlerChandler’s best chance is via knockout in the first round.

If it gets out of the first round I expect Poirier to take over.

I also expect this to be the best fight on the card.

How to watch UFC 281

The UFC now has a partnership with ESPN.

Especially if you’re one of the UFC fans who want to watch UFC in the US.

MMA fans in the UK can watch UFC 281exclusively through BT Sport.

There are more options if you live in Australia.

it’s possible for you to watch UFC 281 through Main Event on Foxtel.

you’re free to also.

it’s possible for you to even orderusing your PlayStationor using the UFC app on your Xbox.

I usually buy direct from the UFC website.

See thebest VPNs recommended by CNET editors.

The UFC 281 main card starts at 10 p.m.

ET (7 p.m. PT) on Nov. 12.Here are all the details from multiple time zones.