This week’s UFC 285 signifies the comeback of one of the most exceptional athletes in MMA history: Jon Jones, who will compete for a chance to be crowned the Heavyweight Champion of the World! Here, I break down my UFC 285 predictions, which include a Jones vs. Gane Best Bet as well as two more picks from the rest of the card.
UFC 285 Predictions: Saturday, March 4
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Best Bet #1: Jon Jones vs. Cyril Gane
Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, is set to face off against the rising star Ciryl Gane in an eagerly anticipated match-up. While Gane has shown impressive skills in the octagon, it’s hard to imagine him dethroning Jon “Bones” Jones.
With an incredible record of 26-1, Jones has proven time and again that he’s levels above others with his skill and versatility. He has successfully defended his light heavyweight title 14 times, setting a record that is yet to be matched. His fighting style, which combines striking, wrestling, and submissions, makes him the most well-rounded fighter of all time.
In contrast, Gane is still developing as a fighter and is relatively inexperienced in comparison to Jones. Although he has shown promise with an 8-1 record in the UFC, he has yet to face the level of competition that Jones has fought and defeated over the course of his career. In addition, Gane’s lack of wrestling ability is a glaring weakness that Jones is sure to exploit.
Jones’ game plan will likely involve taking Gane down early and utilizing his superior grappling skills to wear down his opponent. Gane’s striking ability may be formidable, but it’s unlikely to pose a real threat to Jones, who has faced and defeated some of the best strikers in the world. There’s nobody on planet earth that understands distance better than Jon Jones.
While Gane may be a rising star in the UFC, it’s hard to see him overcoming the dominance and experience of Jon Jones. Jones has yet to truly lose in the Octagon and I don’t picture it starting here.
Ultimately, I believe that come Saturday, we will witness a highly motivated, concentrated, and physically prepared Jon Jones in the heavyweight division, which will spell trouble for any man alive.
Pick: Jon Jones moneyline | -160 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best Bet #2: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Jalin Turner
Mateusz Gamrot vs Jalin Turner is my favorite matchup of the night. Turner is coming into this fight with massive steam behind his name. Many are buying into the hype of his recent finishes over Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey. I think this is the perfect time and spot to fade Turner.
While Turner boasts a five-fight win streak, his last loss came at the hands of Matt Frevola who utilized his wrestling to secure a unanimous decision victory. Mateusz Gamrot is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC and he will surely utilize it in this fight.
I view wrestling and grappling as a huge edge in favor of Gamrot. I like Gamrot to get this fight to the ground in a hurry, and I think he’s going to be able to eventually secure a submission.
Pick: Mateusz Gamrot by Submission | +340 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best Bet #3: Cody Garbrandt vs. Trevin Jones
This is the most intriguing fight of the night, and it serves as my last of these UFC 285 predictions. Both fighters come into this bout on massive losing streaks with the loser of this bout likely cut.
Cody “No Love” Garbrandt has switched things up as of late. He’s moved down to Las Vegas and is now training under the Xtreme Couture team mixed in with striking coach Dewey Cooper. Distractions aside it seems “No Love” has made the necessary adjustments to get his career back on track.
Cody has spent time in training camp with Javid Basharat who is a fellow UFC fighter holding a win over Jones. Dewey Cooper, the team at XC, and Garbrandt’s training partners have him well-prepared for his opponent and this bout. Look for Cody to be a step ahead of Jones all night long and coast to a dominant victory.
Pick: Cody Garbrandt moneyline | -175 at DraftKings Sportsbook