UFC 235 Predictions
There will be two UFC championships up for grabs on a stacked card tonight as part of UFC 235. Here’s some fighters to consider for this card.
UFC 235 will be held from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card for the event will begin at 10PM ET and air live on PPV.
24301 Anthony Smith vs. 24302 Jon Jones
The main event of tonight’s card has Jones (23-1) defending his UFC Light Heavyweight championship against Smith (31-13). According to the latest oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Jones is the heavy favorite, as he is getting odds of -900 to win. Smith is listed with a money line of +600 to win. Jones has never really lost a fight in the UFC and looked very impressive in his return against Alexander Gustafsson on Dec. 29. Smith is riding a three-fight win streak, all by stoppage, but this is definitely the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Jones provides a lot of logistical challenges with his length and ability to throw very impactful kicks. Smith will have to find a way to get inside that reach if he hopes to win. Jones is as big as a 14/1 favorite on some sportsbooks. There really is no value to betting on him unless you do a parlay. Jones definitely should win, but upsets happen a lot in MMA and Smith has the finishing ability to earn you a big payout. The huge underdog here certainly has the value. UFC 235 Prediction: Anthony Smith +600
24305 Kamaru Usman vs. 24306 Tyron Woodley
The co-main event is for the UFC Welterweight championship when Woodley (19-3-1) takes on Usman (14-1). Oddsmakers are listing Woodley as the slight favorite, as he is getting odds of -160 to win. Usman is listed with a money line of +140 to win. Woodley is attempting a fourth defense of his title while Usman is riding a 13-fight win streak. Usman is someone that goes to decisions and tries to just grapple his way to victory, which has worked. However, Woodley has a great wrestling base as well and is very strong. Woodley has the much better striking of the two and also has a lot of big-fight experience. I think he finds a way past Usman, who is definitely fighting his toughest opponent yet. UFC 235 Prediction: Tyron Woodley -160
24309 Robbie Lawler vs. 24310 Ben Askren
Another featured bout tonight is a welterweight showdown between Lawler (28-12), a former champion and Askren (18-0), who is making his UFC debut tonight. According to oddsmakers, Askren is the favorite, as he is getting odds of -265 to win, while Lawler is listed with a money line of +225 to win. Lawler has lost two of his last three and hasn’t fought since December of 2017. Askren hasn’t fought since November of 2017. Askren is a wrestling-based fighter while Lawler is all about power strikes. Askren should be able to push a pace with his wrestling that Lawler can’t handle. Lawler, though just 36, has been fighting for a long time and his body is worn. Askren could face some nerves from a UFC debut, but I think the unbeaten fighter is very motivated to prove himself on the biggest stage. UFC 235 Prediction: Ben Askren -265