Jon Jones 1/6, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history returns to the ring this Saturday to face arguably the most consistent heavyweight of all time – Stipe Miocic 4/1.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones’ ability to mix striking with wrestling, his fight IQ, and his unorthodox style, has seen him forge a 27-1-0 record, the only blemish being a no contest due to illegal elbows. Jones has dominated in the light heavyweight division and moved up to heavyweight where he put away his only challenger to date without breaking a sweat. His reach, speed, and versatility are huge advantages, and his wrestling is top-tier, making him a worthy long odds on favourite in this fight.
Miocic, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion who still holds the record for the most defences of the belt, is known for his knockout power, and solid boxing. Miocic is also an excellent wrestler with strong fundamentals, and he has shown the ability to adapt to his opponents in high-pressure situations. His biggest strengths are his cardio and his ability to go the distance in five-round fights.
Jon Jones – Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Jon Jones is a highly skilled, well-rounded fighter with one of the best fight IQs in MMA history. He can mix striking, wrestling, and clinch work seamlessly, which makes him unpredictable and dangerous in any area. His reach, versatility, and defensive wrestling are huge advantages, and he’s known for maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
- Recent Form: Jones has not fought frequently in the last few years (due to both personal issues and his move to heavyweight), but his last fight was a dominant performance against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to win the heavyweight title, showcasing his wrestling and control. He may not have been as active, but he’s always been a dominant force.
- Weaknesses: Jones’ biggest question mark moving up to heavyweight is whether his frame and athleticism will hold up against the much larger and heavier fighters in the division. He hasn’t fought a true heavyweight in his career (aside from a few exceptions), so it’s uncharted territory for him.
Stipe Miocic – Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Miocic is one of the best heavyweights in UFC history, with an impressive record and two wins over Daniel Cormier, a top-level fighter in his own right. He’s known for his ability to take a punch and his incredible cardio for a heavyweight, which is crucial in five-round fights. Miocic’s boxing is sharp, and he has the knockout power to end fights quickly, especially if he can land clean shots.
- Recent Form: Miocic has been somewhat inactive, with his most recent fight being a loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021. He also lost to Ngannou in their first fight before winning the rematch, so there’s some question as to whether he still has the same fire at the top level of the division. That being said, his experience and mental toughness are huge assets.
- Weaknesses: Miocic can struggle with fighters who have a strong wrestling game and superior movement. His losses to Ngannou and Daniel Cormier involved him getting outwrestled or outboxed at times. He’s also a bit more hittable than Jones, which could be problematic if he’s not able to avoid damage.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Wrestling: Jon Jones’ wrestling is a significant factor in this matchup. Miocic has strong wrestling himself, but Jones is an elite-level wrestler and has proven to be able to control bigger, stronger opponents. If Jones can close the distance and take Miocic down, he has a path to victory.
- Power: Miocic has the power to knock out anyone, especially with his boxing. However, Jones has a solid chin and has been able to withstand powerful fighters in the past. If Miocic is able to land clean early, it could be dangerous for Jones, but that’s always a risk when fighting a knockout artist like Miocic.
- Cardio: Miocic’s ability to maintain a high pace for five rounds has been a key part of his success. Jones, however, has superior cardio in general, and his ability to outwork opponents over the course of a long fight could be a major advantage, especially if Miocic starts to slow down.
Betting Advice:
Stipe Miocic to win by KO/TKO at 8/1 is the value play here. It is the only way Miocic wins this fight. His knockout power, experience, and ability to adjust in the cage make him dangerous. The former champ needs to avoid the takedowns and land clean shots. His CV is littered with knock out wins and adding Jon Jones’ scalp to the list would be a perfect way to silence the doubters and cement a legacy.