UFC 159 – Champion Jon Jones will have too much for Chael Sonnen

Bar a disqualification against Matt Hamill, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is undefeated in his career.

Such has been the impressive nature of his victories that the 25-year-old phenomenon has looked almost unbeatable, stopping top fighters such as Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans.

Each one of those victories was an exhibition of the New Yorker’s offensive arsenal, with his technically adroit submissions notably impressive, while his striking is improving with fearsome pace.

However, it is his defence that arguably stands out most. His 6’4” frame and 84.5” reach mean that he can keep his opponents at bay and dictate the range and pace of a fight.

Prior to his last bout, in which Vitor Belfort had him in an armbar, Jones has never looked to be in trouble; the fact he was able to escape from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist is all the more impressive.

Jones is 1/12 for the fight, although Chael Sonnen should not be underestimated. Sonnen’s high paced tempo, where he looks to utilise his endless stamina to wear opponents down and then ground-and-pound, has seen him garner several impressive wins – the latest a unanimous decision against Brit Michael Bisping.

He also put in a good performance against Anderson Silva first time round and controlled large periods of the fight before being submitted.

However, 6/1 shot Sonnen could find it extremely difficult to get in close to Jones, as he steps up to light heavyweight for the first time since 2005.

The undercard also provides plenty of interest, with Bisping taking on fellow also-ran contender Alan Belcher. Bisping, 4/7, will be looking to get back to winning ways after a kick to the head in the second round ended his hopes against Belfort.

Belcher, 11/8, had won his last four fights before succumbing to Yushin Okami, but is undoubtedly a good fighter, holding stoppages over Patrick Cote and Rousimar Palhares to name but two.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing