UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Staff Predictions

Saturday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. PT on PPV
Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Main Card (PPV)

Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort (Light Heavyweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: Jon Jones is going to dominate Vitor Belfort in a bad, bad way. The size difference in this fight is absolutely ridiculous and a lot of people didn’t realize how significant it was until the weigh-in stare down. Unless Belfort catches Jones with one of his trademark combination of quick and powerful punches. Against an opponent like Jones, that is much easier said than done. I envision Jones striking with “The Phenom” for a short time but eventually taking Belfort down and finishing the fight with a flurry of ground-and-pound. Jon Jones via TKO – R1

Jon Gerow: With a lot of power and very little to lose, Vitor Belfort definitely has the ability to win this fight. However, the chances of that happening is extremely low. Especially considering the fact that Vitor usually freezes in big fights. Realistically, Jones will take Vitor down immediately and finish him with some sort of vicious ground and pound or submission. Jon Jones via TKO – R1

Erik Jackson: Don’t get me wrong, Vitor Belfort is a great fighter and one that has been around the game for a very long time. That said, Shogun, Rampage, Lyoto, Rashad, are all great fighters, and Jon Jones has ran through them with relative ease. He’ll play a cautious striking game with Vitor for a little bit before taking him down and finishing the fight in the second. Jon Jones via TKO – R2

Patrick Weafer: Props to Vitor for stepping up and taking this fight. Unfortunately his paycheck will be the only positive takeaway from Saturday as most see Jones walking away with the victory relatively easily. Jon Jones via TKO – R2

Doug Ancey: Jon Jones. There’s no question. Have you seen the betting odds?! Look, I love Vitor, I think it’s awesome that he stepped up and is viewing this as the opportunity that it is. If anybody has a punchers chance it’s him. But this card did not need this fight, and Belfort wasn’t even in the light heavyweight title mix to begin with. I really don’t see what he can do against Jones. Jon Jones via TKO – R3

Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson (Flyweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: Joseph Benavidez is favoured by oddsmakers to become the first flyweight champion in UFC history and for good reason, he holds the skill advantage over Demetrious Johnson. The only clear advantage for Johnson in this fight is his speed, however it won’t make a difference when he is the superior striker and grappler. Johnson’s only real path to victory in my eyes is if he takes Benavidez down consistently and wins rounds. On the flip side, Benavidez is capable of scoring a knockout, submission or grinding out a decision. Since “Mighty Mouse” is so difficult to finish, I’ll go with the latter. Joseph Benavidez via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: This will be a fun and faced paced fight. These guys are pretty similar, both are super quick and very well rounded. Demetrious usually holds a significant speed advantage, but I believe he gives that up vs. Benavidez. The only significant advantage goes to Benavidez who has power and finishing ability and that’s how I see him winning this fight. Joseph Benavidez via TKO – R2

Erik Jackson: This should be an action packed, back and forth fight, as all flyweight fights tend to be. One advantage Johnson might have is that he has been in a huge title fight before, and although he did not come out on top, he will be prepared for the extra excitement that comes along with these big fights. Demetrious Johnson via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: This one’s a tough one to call. Clearly Benevidez had an easier road to the title, and undoubtedly looked more impressive in his fight, but sitting on the sidelines while his opponent got another fight at the new weight class could prove to be detrimental. Johnson is also the fastest fighter in the UFC and won’t be muscled around the same way he was against Cruz. However, I think Benevidez keeps Johnson wary of his power and takes a decision. Joseph Benavidez via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: This is the fight I’m excited to see. As I wrote in my breakdown article; Benavidez has the advantage in almost every are of this fight. He’s the stronger fighter, has better wrestling/grappling, and hits a lot harder. The one thing “Mighty Mous”e has is his speed, but that’s only a slight advantage, as we are taking about flyweights here. Johnson is really going to have to use his footwork is he wants to pull this one out, which I don’t see happening. I think once Benavidez connects, it’s going to throw Johnson off his game plan. I see Benavidez putting Johnson on his back and controlling the fight with his dominating top game. Joseph Benavidez via Unanimous Decision

Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: For the first time in a few years, Michael Bisping faces a proven power-puncher. His last two outings against that style -Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva- resulted in defeats for the Brit. Another first for Bisping in quite sometime is that he will have the clear advantage on the ground. I believe it would be in Bisping’s best interest to try and put Stann on his back, but “The Ultimate Fighter” season 3 winner likes to stand and prove he can strike with anyone. While I don’t doubt Stann’s ability to catch Bisping with a knockout blow, Bisping has more ways to win the fight. Ultimately, I envision him winning two of three rounds and taking a decision. Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Extremely excited for this fight. Mike Bohn (Co-founder of FightCove) said it best “when was the last time we saw Michael Bisping fight a pure striker as dangerous as Brain Stann?” Arguably, Chris Leben in 2008 who Bisping fought to a unanimous decision victory. The same Chris Leben who Brian Stann obliterated in under five minutes. Before both of these men fought Chael Sonnen, I would have found it hard to predict a winner. However, since then its become obvious to me Michael Bisping is way better “mixed martial artist” than Brian Stann. Stann undoubtedly has the power to finish this fight, but Bisping wins this 9 times out of 10. Michael Bisping via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: This is the fight that I am most looking forward to. I think Bisping should be the quicker fighter however Stann packs a punch and could end Bisping’s night at any point in the fight. In the end I think Bisping will stay out of trouble and win on the score cards. Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Michael Bisping has the skills to stay away from Stann’s considerable power. Toe-to-toe Stann takes this, otherwise it’s Bisping via technical striking and mixing it up. Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: This is going to be interesting. The fight has the potential to go so many different ways. Michael Bisping is the more well rounded fighter, and I think this shows in one crucial area: grappling. While Stann is no slouch off of his back, but he has showed weakness in stopping the take down in the past (then again that last person was Chael Sonnen). Stann is the more powerful striker and arguably more technical in the stand up game. He’s just as good as Bisping at controlling distance and landing effectively. Both are very good at sticking to their game plans as well. Stann has Greg Jackson behind him, and Bisping has always used that to his advantage in his fights. Bisping is the favorite here, but I’m going to pick Brian Stann. I think he will step up to the challenge and get to victory. Stann is one of those fighters you have to outclass to beat, because let’s face it, you’re not going to intimidate him. Brian Stann via TKO – R2

Matt Hamill vs. Roger Hollett (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: It nearly impossible to gauge how Matt Hamill is going to look after his 13-month retirement from the sport. He was supposed to face Vladimir Matyushenko is a very intriguing contest but faces octagon newcomer Roger Hollett instead. Basing the prediction on how Hamill looked pre-retirement, he should be superior to Hollett in every area. With that said, even the worst version of Hamill should be superior to an opponent of Hollett’s caliber. Matt Hamill via TKO – R2

Jon Gerow: It would be nice to see Roger Hollett the Halifax, NS native walk away with the “W” but I don’t see it happening. Neither man has fought since 2011 and Hamill has undoubtedly fought and defeated men leagues above Roger Hollett. Hamil will be looking to make a triumphant return to the octagon but given the layoff I’m not sure he’ll be able to finish Roger Hollett in exciting fashion or at all. Matt Hamill via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Not really a fan of fighters coming out of retirement, that’s been played out. Roger Hollett via KO – R1

Patrick Weafer: As much as I wish the lone Canadian on the main card could pick up a win here, this fight comes down to the mental and physical condition of Hamill. If Hamill came back from retirement in a serious way and took his camp seriously, he takes this fight. Matt Hamill via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: I know Matt Hamill has been out for a while, but look the level of competition he has faced versus that of Hollett. It may take a round for Hamill to knock the rust off but I see him using his wrestling to control Hollett. Matt Hamill via Unanimous Decision

Cub Swanson vs. Charles Oliveira (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Charles Oliveira has looked very impressive since dropping to the featherweight division and he clashes with a man on a solid run of his own in Cub Swanson. Oliveira is a difficult fighter to game plan for considering the dramatic improvements he makes between each fight. If “Do Bronx” can avoid Swanson’s heavy hands and drag the fight to the ground, there’s a good chance the Brazilian will win the fight by submission. Charles Oliveira via Submission – R2

Jon Gerow: Both men are very well rounded, but I still see this fight as striker vs grappler. Cub Swanson wants to stand and bang while Charles Oliveira wants to take it to the ground. In terms of their strengths, I believe Charles Oliveira has a more significant advantage on the ground than Cub Swanson has on the feet. Charles Oliveira’s Muay Thai background, south paw stance and height and reach advantage will allow the Brazilian to compete on the feet before taking it to his strength. The ground. Cub Swanson has been submitted three times before and I predict his forth will come this Saturday night in Toronto at UFC 152. Charles Oliveira via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: A perfect fight to lead off the main card. Both of these fighters always put on a show and Saturday night should be no different. Depending on how his striking matches up in the first couple of minutes, I would like to see Oliveira try to use his submissions more and get Swanson to the ground. Charles Oliveira via Submission – R2

Patrick Weafer: Can’t pick against “Do Bronx” here, no matter how impressive Swanson’s last two outings have been. Charles Oliveira is an exciting fighter that isn’t afraid to go for the unorthodox whether it’s on the feet or on the ground. Charles Oliveira via Submission – R2

Doug Ancey: This is going to be sweet as well. Cub Swanson seems to be coming into his prime, really showcasing his skills, winning his last two fights by TKO. However, I think Oliveira is way more talented then Swanson’s last two opponents, George Roop and Ross Pearson. He’s far more dynamic with his stand up and MILES ahead of Swanson in his grappling skills. He’s also huge for a featherweight and will enjoy a nice size and reach advantage over Swanson. I see Oliveira taking this one. He was really fired up after his last win over Jonathan Brookins and I think he’s going to be looking to build that momentum and make a statement in the featherweight division. Charles Oliveira by Submission (Choke) – R2