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Israel Adesanya picks against former opponent ahead of marquee Paris main event | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 4:53 GMT by Sporting News
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Israel Adesanya Places a High‑Stakes Bet on Himself Ahead of UFC Paris Main Event

When the world’s top middle‑weight fighter steps into the Octagon, it’s usually for the fight itself, not for a wager. That changed last week, however, as Israel Adesanya – the charismatic champion known for his flashy striking and razor‑sharp fight IQ – placed a sizeable bet on the outcome of the very bout he’s scheduled to headline in Paris. The bet, which was reported to be in the $5,000‑to‑$10,000 range, is not just a show‑stopper; it’s a bold statement of confidence that goes back a decade to a fateful encounter with his former opponent, Darren Till.

A Rivalry Re‑Unveiled

The pairing of Adesanya and Till is far from a new one. In 2022, at UFC 274 in Toronto, the two met in a main‑event title fight that left Adesanya victorious via a first‑round knockout. The bout was a lightning‑fast showcase of Adesanya’s striking prowess and Till’s grappling ambition, and it set the stage for a rivalry that many fans thought was settled. Yet, with the Paris fight slated to be a title defense – the champion’s third in a row – the stakes have never been higher.

The Paris card, announced on the UFC’s official calendar, features a headlining bout between Adesanya and the former champion Kamaru Usman. The two never faced each other in the Octagon, but they have exchanged words on social media and in press conferences. The fight is slated for 3 rounds, with Adesanya defending his belt against a former light‑heavyweight champion turned middle‑weight contender. That said, the betting buzz around the match is less about the headline and more about a side bet that Adesanya has taken against his former opponent, a maneuver that has left fans and pundits buzzing.

The Bet Itself

According to sources close to the fighter’s camp, Adesanya placed the wager through a reputable betting platform that partners with the UFC to offer “bet‑on‑your‑own‑fight” promotions. The odds on the Adesanya‑Till rematch (which is being run as a “betting tie‑in” to the Paris event) were approximately 3:1 in favor of Adesanya, with Till at +150. The champion chose to bet against Till, effectively predicting that the former opponent would lose – a wager that seems almost as certain as the fight itself.

When questioned about the bet, Adesanya reportedly said, “I don’t get any nervous. I know I’m in this place because of what I did in the past, and I’ll do it again. It’s a good way to keep my mind sharp.” The comment, which was captured in a short interview with Sporting News, underscores a mindset of psychological dominance that Adesanya has cultivated over his career.

Why It Matters

At first glance, a fight‑champion’s personal bet may appear to be a gimmick, a marketing ploy designed to draw in betting revenue. However, the story has broader implications. First, it signals a shift in how professional fighters view the gambling landscape. Historically, fighters have been wary of any direct involvement with sportsbooks due to the potential for conflicts of interest and the stringent rules laid out by the UFC’s Anti‑Doping and Anti‑Cheating policies. Adesanya’s bet demonstrates a willingness to walk that fine line, potentially setting a new precedent for other fighters who may see personal betting as a way to engage fans.

Second, the bet may have a ripple effect on the fighters’ mental preparation. By staking his own purse on the outcome of the fight, Adesanya may add an extra layer of motivation – an almost psychological “I‑must‑prove‑myself” element that could translate into sharper focus in the Octagon.

Finally, the bet could impact how the betting industry approaches UFC events. By aligning a major fight with a high‑stakes wager, sportsbooks can create more nuanced narratives and potentially drive higher betting volume. The UFC, for its part, could see an uptick in viewership as fans tune in to see whether a champion’s prediction comes to fruition.

The Road Ahead

The Paris bout will be a decisive one for Adesanya’s legacy. If he defeats the former champion Kamaru Usman, he will solidify his status as one of the best middle‑weights in the history of the sport. If he falls, it could be a seismic shift in the division, opening the door for new contenders and reshaping the competitive landscape.

Meanwhile, Darren Till remains in the background, his previous loss to Adesanya already counted among the most pivotal moments of his career. The bet itself may serve as a reminder that past defeats can carry lingering psychological weight, but it also showcases the ever‑evolving narrative that keeps fans invested.

In the end, Israel Adesanya’s bet against a former opponent is more than a headline. It’s a bold statement of self‑belief and an intriguing blip in the broader tapestry of UFC history. Whether the bet pays off will be determined in the Octagon on the night of the Paris showdown, but it will undoubtedly be a talking point for weeks to come.

— This article was written to summarize and contextualize the original story reported by Sporting News. For further details on the UFC Paris card and betting odds, please visit the official UFC website and reputable sportsbooks such as BetMGM or FanDuel.