The excitement for the entire UFC 172 fight card is through the roof, but many mixed martial arts fans are most anticipating the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship match between defending champion Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira.
This will be Jones’ first fight since the epic five-round war against Alexander Gustafsson in September of 2013, but the champion is riding a 10-fight winning streak. Teixeira is no slouch, though, as he has also won his last 20 fights in a row.
The resulting battle has all the earmarks of an instant classic.
Here is the entire card for Saturday’s pay-per-view, predictions for every fight and a preview of the main event.
Breaking Down and Predicting the Main Event
When UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (19-1) squares off against challenger Glover Teixeira (22-2) on Saturday night in the main event, the defending champion will be pushed to his limit by the hard-hitting style of his opponent.
Jones will have to be at his best to beat Teixeira.
Jones is one of the best wrestlers in the light heavyweight division, but it is his unique mix of striking a grappling ability as well that has made him such a dangerous champion. During his 10-fight winning streak, he has racked up four knockouts, four submissions and two decision victories.
Whether it’s with his lethal elbow strikes or his vicious kicks, Jones can hurt his challengers in so many different ways.
While Jones has the advantage on paper in the title fight, he spoke during the UFC on FOX 11 broadcast about Saturday’s opponent and his key to victory, via FightLine.com:
Glover is a phenomenal opponent with power in both hands, is a great wrestler and hasn’t lost in five years. I am totally up for this amazing challenge. I am confident. My versatility (is key). I have a very unpredictable game. Half the time I don’t know what I’m going to do.
The excitement is through the roof for this main event, and even UFC President Dana White took to Twitter to share his anticipation:
As well as Jones has fought during his run with the title, the epic battle between the champion and Gustafsson proved that there were weaknesses in his defense and offense. With Teixeira showing no fear in the Octagon, Jones will face a fighter coming at him harder than anyone else in the past.
Teixeira is confident in his ability in the ring and lets his hands do the talking. With an incredible mix of accuracy, timing, strength and power, there is no reason to believe Teixeira can’t stand toe to toe with Jones and do serious damage.
With 12 of his 20 consecutive wins coming via knockout, Jones has been put on upset alert.
Jones didn’t get to the top of the mountain without being smart, though, and he understands Teixeira’s advantages standing up. Expect the champion to utilize his elite wrestling skills and take this fight to the ground early and often.
After five rounds of grinding it out on the mat, Jones will walk away with the decision victory.
Predicted Winner: Jones via unanimous decision
*Stats via UFC.com.
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