UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans Staff Predictions

Saturday, April 21st at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Pay-Per-View (PPV)
Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Main Card (PPV)

Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans (Light Heavyweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: I see Jon Jones picking Rashad Evans apart on the feet in the opening rounds with a patient, methodical attack. From there, I believe Jones will put Evans on his back and work his dangerous elbows from top position. If Jones can secure a dominant position like the crucifix or mount, he will put Evans away quickly. If he cannot secure such position, I still see him finish Evans. Jon Jones via Submission – R3

Jon Gerow: Although Jon Jones has been finishing everyone as of late, however I believe this one will go the distance. In my opinion Rashad Evans has the tools to beat Jones, because of his ability to nullify the wrestling, their fore he can force Jones into his style of fight. Also, I believe the experience and maturity advantage for Rashad plays a huge roll in this fight. Look for a highly competitive fight with Evans beating Jones on the score cards. Rashad Evans via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: While I don’t doubt the skill of Rashad Evans, I believe he will be fighting too emotional on Saturday night and Jon Jones will take this one. Jones has been working on every aspect of his game, developing with each fight. He should be able to over power the smaller Evans. Jon Jones via TKO – R2

Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Che Mills is in way over his head in this fight. The UFC is throwing Rory MacDonald a bone with Mills as an opponent, and I expect the Canadian to show more of the vicious ground and pound he displayed against Mike Pyle en route to a stoppage referee stoppage. Rory MacDonald via TKO – R1

Jon Gerow: Rory is in a totally differently league than Che Mills, look for another dominating performance from the young Kelowna kid. Rory MacDonald via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: Che Mills looked very impressive in his debut, and his stand up is nothing to take lightly. That said, Rory Macdonald is a much more complete fighter and should be able to control where the fight takes place. Rory MacDonald via Unanimous Decision

Brendan Schaub vs. Ben Rothwell (Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: If Ben Rothwell didn’t have such an atrocious performance against Mark Hunt in his last fight, I would pick him to defeat Brendan Schaub with relative confidence. Rothwell’s pitiful cardio and takedown defence against Hunt was a big red flag. On the flip side, Schaub was knocked out in stunning fashion by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his last fight. This fight could really go either way, so when in doubt, pick the heavyweight with the better stamina. Brendan Schaub via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Ben Rothwell looked horrible in his last fight, and I think things won’t change this Saturday night. Brendan Schaub via KO – R1

Erik Jackson: This is an interesting matchup that really could go either way. I’m going to go with the power and explosiveness of Schaub in this one. Brendan Schaub via TKO – R2

Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald (Bantamweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: The toughest fight on the card to call. Miguel Torres has looked shaky in the last few years while Michael McDonald skills have been developing with every fight. Torres is a veteran in the spot and as evident by his 40 career victories – he knows how to win a fight. Will that be enough to stop the surging McDonald, though? I don’t think so. Michael McDonald via TKO – R2

Jon Gerow: Really tough fight for MacDonald who is coming off a very impressive KO victory in his last bout. If gets past Miguel all Bantamweights should keep this guy on their radar. I’ll take the young blood in this one. Michael MacDonald via TKO – R1

Erik Jackson: The crafty veteran versus a young fighter destined for something big. Miguel should be able to use his experience to get the win here, although Michael McDonald is destined for greatness eventually. Miguel Torres via Unanimous Decision

Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Eddie Yagin is in over his head against Mark Hominick. Unless Yagin’s skills have drastically improved since losing his UFC debut in September 2010, I see him getting picked apart and losing a lopsided decision. Mark Hominick via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Huge fan of Mark Hominick. If he loses this fight he should really reconsider his training camp. Mark Hominick via TKO – R1

Erik Jackson: After an extremely unlucky nd disappointing in his last fight, Mark Hominick should be able to rebound here with a smart fight, taking the decision over Eddie Yagin. Mark Hominick via Unanimous Decision

Mark Bocek vs. John Alessio (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: John Alessio has been waiting years to get back into the UFC and finally gets his chance as a last minute injury replacement against Mark Bocek. Unfortunately for Alessio, Bocek has only lost to the best of the best in the lightweight division and he isn’t one of those guys. Mark Bocek via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: John Alessio is a well rounded vet and I’m very interested to see how he will do in his return to the UFC. Bocek wins most of his fights when he can overpower and out grapple his counterpart. Unfortunately, I think Alessio has good enough skills to stop this from happening. John Alessio via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: John Alessio has taken this one on short notice, and although it will be a very close fight, that may prove to be the difference maker. Mark Bocek via Submission – R2