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Odds Open for Potential Jones vs Adesanya Fight-Bones Listed as Heavy Favorite

Dylan Bowker

by Dylan Bowker in Mixed Martial Arts News

Updated Mar 26, 2020 · 3:28 PM PDT

Jones vs Adesanya split-screen image
Jones vs Adesanya is a prospective dream fight between reigning champions that has MMA fans buzzing Photo by @MMAIndiaShow (Twitter).
  • Jones vs Adesanya is a hotly discussed dream fight among MMA fans
  • Oddsmakers have already established a moneyline on the prospective matchup
  • Are they giving the undefeated Nigerian a chance against the best current pound-for-pound fighter?

Jon Jones vs Israel Adesanya has been lighting up MMA message boards with hardcore fans sinking their teeth into the fantasy matchup. Jones’ dominance at light-heavyweight is well documented and compelling matchups for him are becoming scarce.

Enter Adesanya. “Izzy” was recently minted as the middleweight champion and the unbeaten, rapidly progressing talent is capturing the imaginations of many.

However, oddsmakers aren’t among the Adesanya believers. In their look-ahead line for a Jones vs Adesanya bout, they list the smaller Nigerian as a heavy underdog.

Jones vs Adesanya Opening Odds

Fighter Odds
 Jon Jones -550
Israel Adesanya +375

Odds taken on Nov 15th.

Jones understandably opens as a big favorite but Adesanya has made such rapid improvements on a fight to fight basis, I feel the odds will shift in his favor if/when the matchup is made. Though there are multiple ingredients at play to make this potential fight quite compelling, it wouldn’t be for at least another year or two.

The two have had verbal spats on Twitter with Jones calling Adesanya a “fucking nerd” who panders to anime fans. Adesanya described Jones as an out-of-touch suburban dad and claimed that the general public no longer cares about his fights as much as they should.

Jones vs Adesanya Analysis

Israel Adesanya has indicated a desire to be a dominant champion at middleweight. He has an analytical mind and understands that logging a few successful defenses at 185 pounds adds a lot more intrigue to a fight with Jones. Jones wants to be seen as a champion who defeated the legends of yesteryear, his peers of the present, and the new wave of hungry pugilists nipping at his heels. Though he has cleared out most of the division, there are still a few contenders left.

If all pans out well, both Jones and Adesanya can log a few title defenses and add additional gas to the fire for a prizefight down the line. Until then, many are looking to temper the flames surrounding the UFC light-heavyweight champion and UFC middleweight champion locking horns.

Adesanya has also called out a specific venue and year for the super fight. He has visions of fighting Bones at Raiders Stadium in the year 2021. There are a few factors at play, e.g. both men maintaining their impressive win streaks and belts, but I do see Jones vs Adesanya going down eventually.

If both keep trending in their respective directions, this could make for one of the biggest bouts in UFC history. A more thorough, stylistic breakdown will come down the line when the fight is formally booked. To be succinct, though, I see Adesanya getting it done. If you have the financial flexibility to lock him in now at +375, I consider that an excellent price.

Pick: Israel Adesanya (+375)

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