Jon Jones is returning to the Octagon not even three months after his last fight. In the main event of UFC 235 this Saturday, the light heavyweight champ will be taking on Anthony Smith, who has gone 3-0 in the division since moving up from middleweight.
Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. The majority, as expected, are leaning towards the massive betting favorite in Jones. Yet some also believe Smith will do as he’s promised and shock the world.
Here’s what they had to say.
BJPENN.com Fighter Picks: Jon Jones vs Anthony Smith
Diego Ferreira, UFC lightweight: I am going to go with the underdog, Anthony Smith. Most will pick Jon Jones but I like the underdogs and I like the way Smith fights.
Jared Gooden, Titan FC welterweight: I love Jon Jones but Anthony Smith as an underdog is real dangerous. The ‘Lionheart’ is real and I’m going to go with Smith to take down Jones.
Louis Smolka, UFC bantamweight: Jones. I don’t know how it will end, but whatever he wants to do he will do it. I’m just calling it like I see it.
Hannah Cifers, UFC strawweight: I have to go with Jones.
Eryk Anders, UFC light heavyweight: Anthony Smith, just taking a bill on him.
Jason Knight, BKFC featherweight: Jon Jones all day. Smith is tough but I don’t think he is on the same level as Jones. Any man that can treat ‘DC’ like a punk… I don’t see Smith coming close.
Renato Moicano, UFC featherweight: This is an easy one. Jones is one of the best ever, maybe the best ever, so I think he will dominate the fight and submit or knock out Smith.
Miles Johns, LFA bantamweight champion: Jon Jones all the way. I think Jon is one of the greatest fighters ever to live. I think people forget what he did to ‘DC’ and ‘DC’ is now one of the best fighters in the UFC, so I have Jones.
Cody Stamann, UFC bantamweight: Jones. I don’t know anybody who can beat Jon Jones.
Jose Torres, Brave CF flyweight: A lot of people look down on this because Anthony Smith isn’t known. I do believe Jones is one of the best fighters ever and will win this fight. But his opponent can stop him with one punch. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing how he reacts to Smith’s style, but I think Jones will win in a closer fight than most think.
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Fighters picking Jon Jones: Louis Smolka, Hannah Cifers, Jason Knight, Renato Moicano, Mikes Johns, Cody Stamann, Jose Torres.
Fighters picking Anthony Smith: Diego Ferreira, Jared Gooden, Eryk Anders.
ICYMI: These same fighters gave their predictions for Ben Askren vs Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley vs Kamaru Usman.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/28/2019.