SMUGGLING DUDS UFC 285 GAMBLING GUIDE

After what feels like a lifetime, one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time makes his long-awaited return…AT HEAVYWEIGHT! Can Jones start where he left off in this vacant title headliner? Let’s find out.

Main Card (BT Sport)

Jon Jones vs. Cyril Gane (Heavyweight)

What we have here is the pinnacle of heavyweight MMA with two supreme athletes who possess devastating combat skills. It really is a fascinating match up. If you invest in the build-up and listen to all the interviews, it is hard not to get caught in the hype – the type of hype that could sway your decision. We are sticking to our guns, when all is said and done, and all the controversy (of which there is plenty) that comes with Jon Jones, when the bell rings we are going to see a different type of animal. We really like him, but Gane must be prepared for what is coming his way or else it will end very very badly for him. Expect the standard feeling out process before Jones goes in for the kill around the third or fourth round.

WINNER: Jones

METHOD: Submission

 

Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Alexa Grasso (Flyweight)

You can’t knock the work Grasso has been putting in lately and it is great to see her challenging for the title. It could however be argued that she’s only getting her shot because it is slim picking in the Women’s Flyweight division – and we would have to agree. Shevchenko is too much of a step up in opponent for the popular Mexican. A huge upset if Grasso can do this but she won’t.

WINNER: Shevchenko

METHOD: Submission

 

Geoff Neale vs. Shavkat Rakmonov (Lightweight)

Another fighter on the card possibly getting overlooked it Geoff Neale. The Texas native looked amazing in his previous bout (taking out Vincente Luque) but based on the fact he’s up against an entirely different style of opponent he may struggle. Especially against such a seasoned grappler in Rakamonov.

WINNER: Rakamonov

METHOD: Decision

 

Mateuz Gamrot vs. Jailin Turner (Welterweight)

Replacing Dan Hooker on relatively short notice means Turner gets himself a totally new type of opponent. Many will make Turner the underdog here, but we are not so sure. Turner has really found his feet in the UFC, as one of the biggest in his weight division.

WINNER: Turner

METHOD: Submission

 

Bo Nickel vs. Jamie Pickett (Middleweight)

Can you imagine if Bo Nickels loses this one? No, we can’t either.

WINNER: Nickel

METHOD: Submission

 

Preliminary Card (BT Sport)

Cody Garbrandt vs. Trevin Jones (Bantamweight)

As much as it pains us, we can’t help but think the end of the UFC line is fast approaching for the former champ and a new career in bareknuckle beckons. Unless Garbrant produces another highlight reel knockout, Jones should grind this one out.

WINNER: Jones

METHOD: Decision

 

Derek Brunson vs. Dricus du Plessis (Middleweight)

Tough one this because many people will be dismissing the wrestling of Brunson and focusing on the knockout power of his South African opponent. Whilst we are still going with du Plessis, definitely leave this one off the betting acca because it is too close to call

WINNER: du Plessis

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Viviane Arujo vs. Amanda Ribas (Women’s Flyweight)

Sure fire bout to go the distance. Expect zero action and lots of dancing around. Sorry but you know it is true. A one to head to the kitchen and top up on snacks for sure! We flipped a coin and went with Ribas.

WINNER: Ribas

METHOD: Decision

 

Julian Marquez vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)

Obliterated in his last outing, Marquez will be desperate to get back to winning ways and should come out swinging – until he lands.

WINNER: Marquez

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Early Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

Ian Garry vs. Song Kenan (Welterweight)

Following some time out the popular Irishman makes his UFC return against a very noble opponent. We still aren’t convinced Garry is ‘The Future’ but he should be able to keep Kenan at distance and do enough to make sure the judges send a victory his way.

WINNER: Garry

METHOD: Decision

 

Leomana Martinez vs. Cameron Saiiman (Bantamweight)

Prepare yourself for some carnage in this one with two rising Bantamweight contenders who can really bang! We will be surprised if this one makes it to the final bell.

WINNER: Saiiman

METHOD:  KO/TKO

 

Jessica Penne vs. Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)

We usually massively overlook Jessica Penne based on the fact she is well and truly into the twilight of career…and we will be doing it again against her much younger, stronger and faster opponent.

WINNER: Ricci

METHOD: Decision

 

Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Farid Basharat (Bantamweight)

Arguably stepping up in level of opponent, it would still be extremely hard to bet against Basharat based on his last performance.

WINNER: Basharat

METHOD: Decision

 

Esteban Ribovics vs. Loik Radzhabov (Lightweight)

Two fighters making their UFC debut, but one hits really hard. We’ve gone with the one who hits really hard.

WINNER: Ribovics

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

 UFC 283 WILD CARD BET: Ciryl Gane to def Jon Jones via KO/TKO