UFC 135 Predictions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\nThe main reason is that Jones has been so untouchable. We all know his real record is 14-0. His \u201closs\u201d came because he landed an illegal elbow while beating Matt Hamill to a bloody pulp and was disqualified. The truth is that Jones hasn\u2019t received a scratch on him in 14 pro fights. Has anyone even touched his face?<\/p>\n
At 84.5 inches, Jones\u2019 reach is the longest in UFC history. No one can get a hand on him yet he can reach his opponents from seemingly impossible distances with jabs, spinning elbows, and a bevy of other creative, athletic moves.<\/p>\n
The reach problem is one reason why Rampage is a big underdog. The other is the speed factor. Rampage hits as hard as anyone in the division, he\u2019s strong as an ox, but he\u2019s not the fleetest of foot. His two defeats in the Octagon came against Rashad Evans and Forrest Griffin, each of whom was faster than him and outpointed him with strikes and takedowns. Jones\u2019 speed advantage makes him a difficult matchup for Rampage.<\/p>\n
Also, as strong as Rampage is, no one has come close to matching Jon Jones\u2019 strength so far. His wiry frame is deceiving; he\u2019s absolutely manhandled everyone he\u2019s fought, including superb NCAA Division-I wrestler Ryan Bader. Jones has the ground edge over Rampage, too.<\/p>\n
Rampage has a puncher\u2019s chance, as he\u2019s tough enough to weather the storm and strike back with his trademark powerful counterpunches. However, aside from the fact that we don\u2019t know how he might respond to getting hit, Jones is superior in every other facet of the game. Rampage has a ton of heart and will be tougher to finish than anyone Jones has faced so far. But the champ will get the job done. Pick: Jones -500<\/strong><\/p>\nWelterweight: Matt Hughes (45-8) vs Josh Koscheck (15-5)<\/h3>\n
UFC 135 odds: Koscheck -450, Hughes +300<\/p>\n
How many fights does the legendary Matt Hughes have left in him? Saturday will mark his first bout since BJ Penn knocked him out in 21 seconds last November.<\/p>\n
His original opponent, Diego Sanchez, pulled out with a hand injury, so Josh Koscheck steps in as a replacement opponent. It\u2019s very bad news for Hughes, who had a grappling edge over Sanchez and didn\u2019t have to worry about serious punching power.<\/p>\n
Hughes, a dominant wrestler, won\u2019t have an advantage against the former elite collegiate wrestler Koscheck. Hughes has also struggled against hard hitters, suffering three horrific knockout losses over the last few years, and Koscheck has the crushing one-punch knockout power to make Hughes shake in his boots.<\/p>\n
Five years ago, Hughes would have the edge, but his chin is gone now. Look for Koscheck to win via knockout. Pick: Koscheck -450<\/strong><\/p>\nOTHER UFC 135 FIGHTS TO CONSIDER<\/h3>\n
Travis Browne (11-0) vs Rob Broughton (15-5-1)<\/strong>
\nUFC 135 odds: Browne -350, Broughton +265<\/p>\nDon\u2019t let Browne\u2019s sloppy physique fool you. He\u2019s emerging as a beast in the heavyweight division and has real finishing power in his fists. Look for Broughton to become his latest conquest. [ad-3573245]<\/p>\n
Free pick: Browne -350<\/p>\n
Nate Diaz (13-7) vs Takanori Gomi (32-7)<\/strong>
\nUFC 135 odds: Diaz -250, Gomi +190<\/p>\nCould the loser of this lightweight battle wind up cut from the UFC? Diaz versus Gomi may come down to who wants it more, and my money is on Diaz. Nate Diaz has struggled of late but he\u2019s faced two straight big, athletic opponents (and at 170 pounds). Against Gomi, a lightweight who doesn\u2019t grapple as much, Diaz should fare better. Gomi has been tapped out twice in three UFC bouts and the Jiu-Jitsu specialist Diaz may become the third guy to do so.<\/p>\n
Free pick: Diaz -250<\/p>\n
UFC 135: OFFICIAL FIGHT CARD<\/h3>\n
Main Card<\/strong><\/p>\nLight Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones (c) vs. Quinton Jackson
\nWelterweight bout: Matt Hughes vs. Josh Koscheck
\nHeavyweight bout: Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton
\nLightweight bout: Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi
\nHeavyweight bout: Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt<\/p>\n
Preliminary Card (Spike TV)<\/strong><\/p>\nLightweight bout: Tony Ferguson vs. Aaron Riley
\nMiddleweight bout: Nick Ring vs. Tim Boetsch<\/p>\n
Preliminary Card (Facebook)<\/strong><\/p>\nFeatherweight bout: Junior Assun\u00e7\u00e3o vs. Eddie Yagin
\nBantamweight bout: Takeya Mizugaki vs. Cole Escovedo
\nLight Heavyweight bout: James Te Huna vs. Ricardo Romero<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.capperspicks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/UFC-135-Picks.jpg\" "\\"UFC")