Teixeira v Jones: Bones to retain title in Baltimore
Published:
The biggest name is UFC will take to the octagon in a title fight later this month and Jon Jones (19-1) looks set to further enhance his credentials as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet with a comprehensive win over Glover Teixeira (22-2).
Bones may have a one in his loss column, but those in the know are aware that his defeat to Matt Hamill came via a disqualification for illegal elbow use and it is widely accepted that he would have won the bout but for the referee’s call.
Teixeira, however, while undefeated since 2006, has two legitimate defeats on his record and will find a level of opponent he has not faced before in Jones.
Such is the confidence that the New Yorker will successfully defend his light heavyweight crown for a seventh time, Jones has been priced as the 2/13 favourite for this top-of-the-bill clash at UFC 172.
The Brazilian can be backed at 4/1 to cause an upset but as the shorter and marginally lighter man will struggle to make his presence felt in Maryland.
While the 34-year-old underdog – ranked number two by the UFC – has a KO/TKO percentage of 59, compared to Jones’ 42, it is the 26-year-old’s accuracy that will make him dangerous when both fighters are on their feet.
The champ lands 54.23 per cent of his significant strikes, while the challenger lands just 47.97 per cent of the time, and with Teixeira throwing more shots he is likely to tire more easily than Bones.
Jones was given a stiffer test than many expected against Alexander Gustafsson last time out, but there is an expectation that his opponent this time will not show as much heart.
Jones is odds-on at 8/11 to wrap this one up by KO or TKO and after being taken the distance by Gustafsson, the champ will be eager to impress.
With a better takedown record than his rival, Teixeira will be looking to take the fight to the canvas and with this representing his best chance of success; the 16/1 on him winning by submission is the outside bet of choice.
However, a Jones win remains the most likely outcome, but with his rival experiencing just one KO loss the advice is to back the latter rounds for Bones to shine.
A fourth round KO win returns a cool £100 from a £10 stake but the larger odds of 12/1 on a fifth-round stoppage should also appeal.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
