Jon Jones

Angelo is very confident in Jon Jones, citing his all-around greatness, youth, and activity compared to Stipe Miocic, who is a full-time fireman on a four-year layoff. He expects Jones to take Miocic down early and dominate. He thinks Jones should be -1500 and will win easily.

Big Brady picks Jon Jones but expects a slow, disappointing fight. He notes that Stipe Miocic is old and washed, having looked slow against Francis Ngannou four years ago, but he doesn't think Jones will finish him early. He cites Jones' recent lackluster performances against Dominick Reyes and Thiago Santos. He predicts a decision win for Jones and likes the over on 40.5 significant strikes for Jones on PrizePicks.

Cody picks Jon Jones, citing Jones' legendary durability and distance management. He notes Stipe is 43, hasn't fought in 3.5 years, and looked slow against Ngannou. Cody expects Jones to win a 49-46 decision or possibly get a late submission, but sees the fight going the distance. He mentions the over 2.5 rounds as a potential prop.

Connor also picks Jones, emphasizing that Stipe is old and likely shot, and that Jones's wrestling and size will be too much. He notes that Stipe's last performance against Ngannou was poor and he looked aimless. Connor expects Jones to take Stipe down and submit him, possibly after a tentative first round.

Daniel Vreeland picks Jon Jones to win, citing Jones' superior MMA wrestling, takedown defense (95%), reach advantage, and younger age. He believes Jones will use oblique kicks to immobilize Stipe, mix in takedowns, and dictate the pace. He acknowledges Stipe's boxing and wrestling credentials but thinks Jones' overall MMA game is superior. He notes that Stipe hasn't fought since 2021 and may have declined.

Vreeland picks Jones emphatically, calling it tragic that this fight is happening. He notes Stipe hasn't fought anyone well-rounded since 2018, is 42, semi-retired, and was knocked out badly by Ngannou. Vreeland believes Jones will win by knockout, possibly with a 12-to-6 elbow, and that Stipe will look old when he gets knocked out.

Fox picks Jones, agreeing that Stipe has no chance. He notes Jones is younger, has a reach advantage, and is the better fighter everywhere. Fox expects Jones to win by knockout, possibly with a 12-to-6 elbow, and thinks Stipe's chin is compromised after the Ngannou KO.

Lucrative James picks Jon Jones to win, citing Stipe Miocic's age (42) and four-year layoff as major concerns. He believes Stipe will look stiff and has lost athleticism, while Jones has an iron chin, superior striking at all ranges, and much better MMA wrestling and grappling. He predicts Jones will win inside the distance, likely within the first two rounds, and notes that Jones can win however he wants if Stipe is a shell of his former self.

The host expects Jones to continue his dominant ways as he did against Gane, getting to his grappling and keeping Miocic on his back. He mentions Jones might use 12-to-6 elbows but ultimately finds the neck and gets a submission victory.

Paul picks Jon Jones, calling it a freak show fight. He argues Jones has fought weak competition and had close fights with lesser opponents, but Stipe is faded and hasn't fought in three years. Paul expects Jones to win by decision, possibly 49-46, and likes the over 2.5 rounds. He notes Jones' distance management and Stipe's age and inactivity.

The MMA Guru picks Jon Jones, expecting a finish in the first or second round. He describes Jones's oblique kicks and clinch work breaking down the 42-year-old Miocic. He predicts a guillotine choke after a takedown, noting Stipe's tendency to scramble into submissions.

Angelo leans towards Ciryl Gane due to Jon Jones' three-year layoff, weight gain, and poor performance in his last fight. He notes that Gane is a technical striker with great footwork and that Jones struggled with wrestling against Dominick Reyes. Angelo is not betting on this fight.

Big Brady picks Jon Jones but is hesitant due to many red flags: a three-year layoff, lackluster recent performances, and moving up to heavyweight. He notes Gane's takedown defense was exposed by Ngannou, and Jones is a great wrestler. He predicts a decision win for Jones, but advises against betting on the fight due to uncertainty.

Cody is very reluctant to take Jones at -160 given the three-year layoff, recent disinterested performances, and move up to heavyweight. He sees Gane as a legitimate heavyweight who fought Francis Ngannou closely, but worries about Gane's wrestling after Ngannou took him down. He ultimately takes the plus money on Gane but will wait for weigh-ins to see Jones's physique.

Connor picks Jones but with significant hesitation. He believes Jones's forward pressure and consistent use of a few tools (lead hook, body kick, side kick) over five rounds will be enough to edge out Gane, despite Jones's decline in activity and wrestling. He expects a close, boring fight where Jones may get hurt but ultimately wins a decision or via a takedown from a Gane error. He notes Gane's poor defensive footwork and tendency to fall apart when pressured, but acknowledges Jones's own defensive flaws and the risk of Gane's jab and kicks.

Jacob is confident in Ciryl Gane, stating that on the feet, Gane will embarrass Jones with his footwork and speed. He believes Jones will struggle to get takedowns because Gane will be ready for them. Jacob thinks Gane will pick Jones apart and win.

Jones is a dominant wrestler with unorthodox striking and a championship mindset. Gane is a slick striker but has shown vulnerability to wrestling, as seen against Francis Ngannou. Jones will drag the fight to the ground and use his top pressure and ground and pound to win. The weight gain shouldn't be detrimental.

Paul picks Jon Jones but says it's a stay away from a betting perspective. He believes Jones's wrestling will be the difference, as Gane was taken down by Ngannou. However, he acknowledges the many question marks around Jones and cannot bet him at -170. He thinks Jones will win but won't put money on it.

The MMA Guru picks Ciryl Gane to upset Jon Jones, citing Jones' long layoff (over 3 years) and recent close fights. He believes Gane's range, leg kicks, and patience will trouble Jones, and that Jones' takedowns won't be as effective at heavyweight. He predicts a decision win for Gane.

Daniel Levi picks Jon Jones, citing his unparalleled skill set, fight IQ, and durability. He notes that Jones has a 7-inch reach advantage and gets better as fights go on, while Reyes may fade after the first round. He expects Jones to pick Reyes apart and possibly get a ground-and-pound finish.

The host picks Jon Jones, likely by decision or late finish, citing his reach, kicks, wrestling, and experience. He believes Jones will establish his range and wear down Reyes, who has not faced anyone of Jones' caliber. He plans to parlay Jones with Andrea Lee as his lock of the night play.