The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to action tonight as light heavyweight champion Jon Jones defends his strap against veteran Brazilian striker Vitor Belfort at UFC 152 (10:00pm ET start time, PPV) in Toronto, Ontario. UFC 152 Fight Predictions and Odds have Jones listed as a prohibitive -750 money line favorite ($750 wins $100) to retain his title. Belfort is drawing +575 odds (11.7 percent win probability) in an underdog role. Also on this evening’s card is a middleweight showdown between top contenders Michael Bisping and Brian Stann. The always chatty Bisping is a -205 favorite to defeat the Stann.
Jon Jones was the toast of MMA coming into 2012, but he has since fallen on hard times, earning the displeasure of UFC boss Dana White and fickle fight fans everywhere. Jones troubles started with a DUI arrest in May and they have only escalated since.
The New York native was slated to face Dan Henderson last month but a knee injury forced Henderson off the card. White scrambled to save the main event by asking former middleweight contender and professional agitator Chael Sonnen to step in for Henderson. Sonnen accepted the challenge on short notice; however, Jones declined the fight, which enraged White and forced the UFC to cancel a pay per view event for the first time in its history.
Jones also earned the label of ‘sellout’ after inking a deal with Nike early last month. Certainly Jones cannot be faulted for adding to his personal income, but, for whatever the reason, his doing so coupled with the other events had fans fleeing his bandwagon in droves.
Love him or hate him, though, he is almost a lock to retain his belt this evening. Belfort is a big name and a huge talent, and he has experienced a career resurgence of late (won seven of last eight fights); however, Jones owns too many physical advantages in this match up. It could be argued Belfort is the better, quicker striker, but Jones’ length negates any edge the Brazilian may have standing up. All other areas belong to the champ.
Jones, who is the youngest UFC champion ever, is seeking his fourth successful title defense this evening. He is 16-1 as a professional fighter and his lone loss was a result of a disqualification. Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, is 21-9 overall with notable wins over Rich Franklin, Randy Couture, and Wanderlei Silva. Belfort also owns several notable losses, falling to former and/or current champions Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson, Randy Couture, and Anderson Silva.
UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Fight Odds:
Jon Jones -750 vs. Vitor Belfort +575 (Light Heavyweight Championship)
Michael Bisping -205 vs. Brian Stann +125
Joseph Benavidez -255 vs. Demetrious Johnson +215
Matt Hamill -375 vs. Roger Hollett +315
Charles Oliveira -250 vs. Cub Swanson +210
Lance Benoist -205 vs. Sean Pierson +175 (FX)
Igor Pokrajac -165 vs. Vinny Magalhaes +145 (FX)
Jim Hettes -520 vs. Marcus Brimage +395 (FX)
Evan Dunham -170 vs. TJ Grant +150 (FX)
Seth Kaczynski -135 vs. Simeon Thoresen +115 (Facebook)
Walel Watson -200 vs. Mitch Gagnon +175 (Facebook)
Charlie Brenneman -230 vs. Kyle Noke +200 (Facebook)
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