UFC 285 marks one of the biggest MMA events in the last few years. The UFC heads to Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena as arguably the best to ever do it, Jon Jones, returns at Heavyweight against devastating Frech kickboxer Ciryl Gane. In the co-main, Valentina Shevchenko faces Alexa Grasso for the Women’s Flyweight title and Geoff Neal faces undefeated top prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov in what should be an entertaining affair.
We take a look at Ben Talintyre's best UFC betting tips below, and if you're looking for a new sportsbook to bet with, why not try Picklebet?
UFC 285 Preview & Betting Tips
Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
Jon Jones, love him or hate him is great for the sport and whether or not he can move successfully up to Heavyweight will be found out this weekend. Ciryl Gane should have beat Francis Ngannou as his lack of wrestling preparation showed when the former champion utilised new found wrestling to rescue the win after being outstruck in the opening two rounds. Gane is the best Heavyweight on the feet and he showed that against Ngannou, Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis, dismantling the latter two in dominant stoppage victories.
We know what we are going to get from Gane. It almost comes down to what Jon Jones we see at Heavyweight as he steps into Octagon for the first time in three years and up a division. What Jones is unparalleled in is his fight IQ and authenticity. He has never truly lost a fight inside the Octagon and has underrated durability and toughness. Bones still will have the reach advantage here as well despite moving up, something he has always had in his favour but I have the feeling he will lean on his wrestling. There are so many questions to be answered but the smart move is to side with Jon Jones as he just has more tools in his arsenal and more ways to win.
Jon Jones to Win
$1.70 (2.5 Units)
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso
This is a particular strange fight to make as I think it is safe to say Alexa Grasso isn’t the top contender right now yet she finds herself facing Valentina Shevchenko for the title. I think you could argue Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot would give the dominant champion more of a challenge but this is the fight we have so this is the fight we have to assess. Grasso is a highly skilled fighter, with crisp boxing who has had some struggles on the mat against Carla Esparza and returning contender Tatiana Suarez, who is the one I back to topple the champion in the coming years.
Realistically this is the perfect match for Shevchenko. Grasso doesn’t hit overly hard, has weaknesses on the mat and doesn’t have the diversity of striking that Shevchenko does, making it the perfect match up to showcase why she has dominated the division for years. The champ secures a stoppage victory before the championship rounds.
Valentina Shevchenko to win in Rd1, 2 or 3
$2.15 (4 Units)
Derek Brunson vs. Dricus Du Plessis
I absolutely love this fight as Derek Brunson may be knocking on the door of turning 40 but still has only ever lost to the UFC elite and Dricus Du Plessis is yet to challenge a contender until now. Brunson has had a history of wilting against superior opponents and then rallying against prospects registering statement wins. If he was to beat Jared Cannonier in his last fight he would have been fighting for the title. Du Plessis has been dropped and hurt before but the South African is just willing to walk through fire to land damage. I don’t mind the $3 for Brunson to win but will play this safer and just back the fight not to go the distance as I expect a finish by either man.
Fight to go the distance (NO)
$1.40 (3 Units)
