UFC 94 Upset Alert - Bones Jones is For Real
by Robby Maddux
Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar (11-4) vs. Jon “Bones” Jones (7-0)
Most online UFC betting fans remember the fight between Forrest Griffin and Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar for TUF Season 1's six-figure UFC contract. Griffin was the eventual winner, but as arguably the best fight ever in UFC history, Bonnar was handed a six-figure contract, too. It was certainly a fight for the ages that put both men on the Octagon map and assured a bright future for TUF series.
Year's later a lot has happened since the light heavyweight slugfest, including the winning and losing of the title by Griffin, who's made a big impact on the sport as a fan favorite. However, much less has been heard from Bonnar partially due to injury and other set backs, including a suspension for the use of steroids.
But not having seen action inside the Octagon in over a year, Bonnar's back and ready to battle. Bonnar returns coming off a surgically repaired lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, which was suffered while training for a bout against Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April, 2008. The injury put a two-fight win streak on hold, after beating Eric Schafer and Mike Nickels, respectively, establishing himself once again as a threat in the light heavyweight division.
Now Bonnar has to re-establish himself against two opponents in one fight on Saturday. First, ''ring rust'' following a 15 month absence, which makes his conditioning, or lack thereof, a factor. Bonnar's second and biggest opponent is one of the most promising prospects in the division in the likes of Jon ''Bones'' Jones.
In Jones' most recent bout, he scored a unanimous decision win over veteran Andre Gusmao at UFC 87 in April, 2008, electrifying the crowd with his raw talent and flashy spinning backfists and double spinning back elbows. Jones earned the win on just days notice, which is equally impressive as the victory itself and his 7-0 record. A record compiled in only the year of 2008.
Jones is a former collegiate wrestler who just recently made a successful transition to MMA and did so naturally while learning along the way. With just seven fights under his belt, and the talents he's shown as a student of the game, Jones has the potential to make a lot of noise in the UFC.
Analysis: Jones' wrestling background could create havoc for Bonnar, especially if the rookie can keep Bonnar grounded to test his cardio after the layoff. One of Bonnar's four loses came against current champion Rashad Evans at UFC Fight Night 5 when Evans effectively kept Bonnar on the mat to score the win.
Also, Jones has all the momentum after going 7-0 in 2008. BetUS UFC odds are giving the veteran Bonnar modest respect as the UFC wagering favorite of -175. But if you bet on UFC, the faster and youthful Jones is the wise selection at +135.
Free UFC Picks: Jon “Bones” Jones +135
