UFC Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixiera
Odds: ( -550 Jones/ +375 Teixeira )
Betting Pick: Jones
Bet on this fight at Bovada
In the main event of UFC 172, UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his 205 pound title against up-and-coming striking phenom Glover Teixeira. So far, Jones has handled every challenge that has been put in front of him, but I don’t think he’s had to fight anyone with Teixeira’s boxing prowess or one-punch knockout power. There is little question that Jones can hold his own no matter where a fight plays out, but when a guy has the kind of instant knockout power Teixeira has, you have to fight cautiously and not let your aggression betray you.
Glover Teixeira is easily the most exciting and promising young fighter in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. His boxing technique is extremely good, and every single punch he throws is a potential fight-ender. Unlike many modern fighters, Teixeira is very much a specialist. THat isn’t to say that he can’t wrestle or grapple, but there is no question that his strategy is always to move forward, throw punches, and look for the knockout. Against Jones, he’s going to have to fight very smart and pretty much mistake-free. If he leaves openings, Jones can not only punish him with counter punching, he can take him down and hold him there. On his back underneath Jones is the last place Teixeira wants to end up, so he’s going to have to try to control his aggression, especially in the early rounds when Jones is still fresh.
Obviously, Jon “Bones” Jones is the UFC’s most dominant Light Heavyweight. His mixture of size, reach, strength, athleticism, punching power, and wrestling is totally unique in the division. That said, Alexander Gustafsson proved conclusively that Jones is a human being with weaknesses that can be exploited. Against Teixeira, who possesses brutal knockout power, Jones probably doesn’t want to stand in front of him and box for five rounds. That’s not to say he should abandon his striking fully, but he should try to use it to create space and set up takedowns instead of being content to stand and trade. On the ground, in top position, Jones has the strength and ability to neutralize Teixeira quite effectively.
Honestly, I think this is the toughest fight Jones has had to face to date. Gustafsson was a tough style matchup, but Teixeira’s knockout power adds an entire layer of danger to this fight. That said, I don’t think Teixeira has the versatility to deal with Jones for five rounds. Jones is just so much better at wrestling and fighting on the ground that Teixeira is going to have his hands full. Obviously, Glover always has a puncher’s chance, but I think it much more likely that Jones will force this fight to the ground and punish Teixeira from top position en route to an eventual T/KO win.
Prediction: Jon Jones by third round T/KO.
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