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UFC 235: Jones vs Smith Odds and Predictions

Cole Shelton

by Cole Shelton in Mixed Martial Arts News

Updated Apr 1, 2020 · 6:11 AM PDT

Jon Jones screaming
Jon Jones will be looking to make some noise at UFC 235. Photo by Vengo Films (Wikimedia Commons) [CC License].
  • Will Anthony Smith shock the world at UFC 235?
  • Can Jon Jones cement himself as the greatest ever?
  • Will Tyron Woodley defend his belt once again?

UFC 235 goes down March 2nd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it may very well be the card of the year. The card is absolutely stacked with two title fights, Ben Askren’s UFC debut, Cody Garbrandt fighting, and several other top fights. The main card is live on pay-per-view at 10:00 p.m. ET, while even the prelims which kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET are stacked.

Anthony Smith vs Jon Jones Odds

Fighter Odds
Anthony Smith +575
Jon Jones -950

*Odds taken on 02/24/19

Fight Record and Recent History

Anthony Smith (31-13) has looked unstoppable at light heavyweight since moving up to the division. He is 3-0 with two TKO/KO’s and one submission win to get him the title shot. He beat former champions, Rashad Evans and Shogun Rua by KO and then submitted former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. The veteran used to be a “gatekeeper” of the middleweight division, but now looks like a legitimate threat at light heavyweight.

Anthony Smith used to be a “gatekeeper” of the middleweight division, but now looks like a legitimate threat at light heavyweight.

Jon Jones (23-1 and one no-contest) should really be undefeated as his only loss is due to a disqualification. Still, Jones may very well go down as the best ever, as he holds wins over Alexander Gustafsson, twice, Daniel Cormier, and several other top fighters. Jones is back after a USADA suspension and has said he wants to fight regularly.

Smith vs Jones Tale of the Tape

Smith
VS
Jones
30 Age 31
6’4″ Height 6’4″
76″ Reach 84.5″
6 UFC wins by finish 9
0 UFC title fights 12
October 2018 Last Fight December 2018

The oddsmakers see this one as a fight Jones should win. Frankly, that should be the case. Jones has been dominant since the get-go and may very well be the greatest fighter ever.

However, something Jones can’t do is take Smith lightly as he did in the first Gustafsson fight. Smith has shown to be durable and mount huge comebacks to steal fights. While Jones has to be wary of Smith’s knockout power.

Ultimately, I don’t see that as a problem as Jones’ head coach in Mike Winkeljohn assures me they are training hard and not taking Smith lightly. They know it is a fight and anything can happen so they are preparing Jones for anything.

In the end, I see Jones getting a finish and hearing “And New” by Bruce Buffer. He should continue to dominate the light heavyweight division.

Pick: Jon Jones (-950)

Kamaru Usman vs Tyron Woodley Odds

Fighter Odds
Kamaru Usman +155
Tyron Woodley -190

Fight Record and Recent History

Kamaru Usman (14-1) is getting his first chance to fight for UFC gold. Usman is undefeated in the UFC and is coming off of an impressive win over Rafael dos Anjos to get the title shot. However, it doesn’t come without controversy as many believe interim champion Colby Covington should have gotten the title shot. Covington was passed over in September by Till and now passed over by Usman. Although Covington was the interim champion, Usman has looked dominant that he deserved to fight for the belt.

Woodley is riding a three-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost since June of 2014.

Tyron Woodley (19-3-1) is coming off of a second-round submission win over Darren Till in September to defend his welterweight title. Woodley is riding a three-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost since June of 2014, although he does have one draw during that time. Ultimately, Woodley looked as good as ever against Till and many hope to see that Woodley in this fight.

Usman vs Woodley Tale of the Tape

Usman
VS
Woodley
31 Age 36
6’0″ Height 5’9″
76″ Reach 74″
2 UFC wins by finish 4
0 UFC title fights 5
November 2018 Last Fight September 2018

This fight should be a lot more competitive than the main event. However, Usman is a grinder who likes to get decision wins while Woodley can play that game, while also having enough power to knock out anybody. Frankly, Woodley said it the best at the press conference asking Usman how he can beat him.

There is no question Woodley has more ways to win than Usman, but that doesn’t mean Usman doesn’t have a chance. In the end, as Woodley said, he just does what Usman does better and will hand Usman his first UFC loss and hear ‘And New’ by Bruce Buffer.

Pick: Tyron Woodley (-190)

The Rest of the UFC 235 Card

Fighter Ben Askren vs Robbie Lawler Odds
Ben Askren -280
Robbie Lawler +220
Fighter Tecia Torres vs Weili Zhang Odds
Tecia Torres +115
Weili Zhang -145
Fighter Pedro Munhoz vs Cody Garbrandt Odds
Pedro Munhoz +145
Cody Garbrandt -175
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