UFC 126 – Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader Prediction
RYAN BADER vs. JON JONES
Fight Overview: Two of the Light Heavyweight division’s best prospects finally meet to determine which one is within striking distance of a title shot. These guys have both looked unstoppable and have similar styles, so this is a very compelling matchup.
Bader’s Strengths: Bader has top-notch wrestling and very effective and heavy-handed boxing. His cardio and chin are also solid.
Bader’s Weaknesses: It is hard to identify weaknesses in a guy who has demolished all of his opponents, but he is not going to enjoy the strength advantage against Jones that he usually does and he will be outgunned in terms of knockout power as well.
Jones’ Strengths: Jones has ridiculous reach, one-shot knockout power, and the ability to completely ragdoll opponents from the clinch to go along with good traditional wrestling.
Jones’ Weaknesses: Jones has never flinched at any test he has faced and the only “weakness” he has shown was a bit of wildness and carelessness throwing illegal elbows against Matt Hamill.
The Verdict: This is going to be a very tough fight for Bader to win. The two have similar styles, but I think Jones is more than strong enough to hold back Bader’s wrestling and he might even be able to get some takedowns of his own from the clinch. The biggest gap is on the feet, where Jones will enjoy a sizable reach and power advantage. Jones by T/KO.
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