UFC 239 Main Card Preview And Predictions
1. Jon Jones (24-1-1) (c) Vs. Thiago Santos (21-6)
In the main event, Jon 'Bones' Jones looks to defend his title against the hard-hitting Brazilian, Thiago Santos.
Jones has excellent wrestling, outstanding striking to go with an incredibly long reach (84 1/2 inches or 215 cm), and is one of the smartest fighters in all of MMA. There's a reason many consider him the greatest fighter of all-time; he doesn't have any discernable holes in his game.
Santos is a 35-year-old veteran who hits like a ton of bricks —hence the nickname 'Marreta,' which means sledgehammer in English. He's a perfect 3-0 since moving up to light heavyweight in September of 2018.
Santos has publicly stated that he doesn't see any holes in the champs game, but still plans on somehow knocking him out. Jones is the taller fighter and will have nearly a ten-inch reach advantage. The reach advantage will make it tough for 'Marreta' to outpoint 'Bones' in a five-round fistfight, and Jones' wrestling pedigree should give him a distinct grappling advantage.
So how does Santos win? He bites down on his mouthpiece, swings for the fences, and hopes to land that one big shot. It could happen. It definitely could, but it probably won't.
More than likely, Jones will use his physical advantages to stay outside of harm's way and methodically pick his opponent apart with nasty combinations.
The Pick: Jon Jones vis decision.