Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (22-1, 9 KOs, 6 SUBs) will rematch Alexander Gustafsson (18-4, 11 KOs, 3 SUBs) for the vacant title at UFC 232 on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at The Forum in Inglewood, Califronia. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
One of the greatest fights in UFC history gets a second run. Light heavyweight GOAT and former champion Jon Jones is back from yet another suspension, meeting former foe Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch of their 2013 thriller which left both men bruised, battered and bloodied.
Jones ultimately walked away with his title, but it was the first time that the all-timer had truly been tested inside the cage. A litany of personal issues and a PEDS suspension has put a huge damper on his career, and this could be the 31-year old’s last chance to take advantage of his prime. It’s crazy to think what the most extraordinary physical talent that the sport has ever seen would’ve accomplished had he not got caught up outside the cage.
Gustafsson has been a top 3 fighter ever since the loss, but fell short in another 2015 title shot against Daniel Cormier. He comes into the matchup with two straight wins - a UD over Jan Blachowicz and a dominant knockout over Glover Teixeira.
The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Jones as a big favorite, and we’re inclined to agree with the oddsmakers opinion. Let’s break down what the best bets are in this matchup. You can also bet live UFC odds to hedge any of your plays on fight night.
UFC 232 Betting at BookMaker.eu
Jon Jones -285
Alexander Gustafsson +220
Over/under 4.5 rounds: Over +100 / Under -104
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Jones 4.41 / Gustafsson 4.18
Accuracy: Jones 55% / Gustafsson 40%
Absorbed per minute: Jones 2.12 / Gustafsson 3.4
Defense: Jones 65% / Gustafsson 52%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Jones 2.13 / Gustafsson 1.76
Takedown accuracy: Jones 50% / Gustafsson 40%
Takedown defense: Jones 95% / Gustafsson 85%
Submission average: Jones 0.59 / Gustafsson 0.49
Bet Jones vs. Gustafsson 2 at BookMaker.eu
Despite the fact that Jones was suspended twice since 2013, Gustafsson has only registered one more fight since then. In fact, the Swede’s injuries have limited him to one fight a year. He’s been plenty active on social media voicing his opinion, but anybody who brings up ring rust as a possible issue for Jones is tripping - his last contest is still more recent than Gustafsson’s.
So what, if anything changes in the rematch? Gustafsson is largely the same fighter: an excellent technical boxer with power and an opportunistic takedown artist. In fact, he’s still the only man in UFC history to successfully bring down Jones. Plus, Jones really seemed to have issues with The Mauler’s height and reach - it’s not often that the 6’4” Jones looks up at an opponent.
If Jones is still the same fighter - and there’s no reason to think he’s not - then it’s hard to see him losing this matchup. There were a lot of rumors flying around that he barely trained for their first match, and he still somehow pulled out the unanimous decision. While the flashy finishes have somewhat faded, the overall dominance hasn’t: he can tune you up with ridiculous range and take you down with a number of creative trips and sweeps.
UFC Odds Pick: Jones to win at -285
Jones has to know that there’s more on the line than his belt: his legacy is at stake. Now 31, we’re going to assume that he’s manning up and realizing his opportunity to become the greatest. A fully engaged Bones is a scary thought, and though Gustafsson will be game we just don’t see him beating the man many consider the greatest to ever do it.
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes the distance at +100
Their first fight went the distance, and four of Bones’ last five have gone to decision. Even if he wanted to end this fight early, the talent gap between the two isn’t so large that it’s a guarantee. Jones could’ve finished OSP and Teixeira if he really wanted but Gus is a different animal.
Bet on UFC 232 Odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 232 takes place on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at The Forum in Inglewood, CA. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
