Don’t Miss UFC 285: Jones vs. Gane & Shevchenko vs. Grasso

UFC 285 is set to kick off on March 5, 2023 with a highly anticipated title fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane. Renowned as the best Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter ever, Jones was a two-time light heavyweight champion, and holds the record of 11 successful title defenses in the promotion.[0] This individual, aged 35, is a well-rounded martial artist, who is proficient in both grappling and striking.[1] Gane symbolizes the emerging trend of MMA, having swiftly advanced up the heavyweight rankings to confront Ngannou for the championship in January 2022.[2] After being defeated by decision, he was able to rebound and score a knockout against Tai Tuivasa in the latter part of last year.[2] Gane possesses a broad range of talents, allowing them to win in knockout, submission, and decision matches with equal proficiency.[2]

The card is stacked from top to bottom, with co-main event featuring women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso.[3] As the fight went on, it seemed that Shevchenko had obtained the necessary data to reverse the situation.[4] Shevchenko employed wrestling tactics to limit Grasso's access to her favored striking techniques.[4] Grasso seized a fleeting chance, catching onto Shevchenko's back as the titleholder failed to land a spinning kick and quickly taking the duel to the ground and binding the choke, breaking Shevchenko's nine-fight winning streak which included seven successful title defenses.[5]

If Grasso can keep the fight in a standing position, she may be able to gain an advantage.[6] Shevchenko gets 34% of her significant strikes in the clinch or on the ground (compared to 66% while standing), whereas Grasso gets only 18% of her strikes in the clinch or on the ground (with 82% while standing).[6] Grasso's takedown defense rate of 65%, which is higher than the UFC average of 55%, implies that Grasso's most suitable plan of attack is to challenge Shevchenko in a stand-up fight, not as a grappler.[6]

0. “UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane Picks and Predictions” Covers, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.covers.com/ufc/285-jon-jones-vs-ciryl-gane-picks-predictions

1. “UFC 285 DFS Breakdown: Model, Preview, Picks for Jones vs. Gane, More Saturday Fights” Fantasy Labs, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/ufc-285-dfs-breakdown-model-preview-picks-jones-vs-gane-saturday-fights

2. “UFC 285 predictions, best bets, odds: Jon Jones, Bo Nickal prop among top picks to consider” CBS Sports, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-285-predictions-best-bets-odds-jon-jones-bo-nickal-prop-among-top-picks-to-consider/

3. “UFC 285 Live Stream: How to Watch Jones vs. Gane Online” Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/how-to-watch-ufc-285-online-live-stream-jones-vs-gane-fight-1234688621/

4. “UFC 285 results, takeaways: Jon Jones secures his place in history, Alexa Grasso shocks the world” CBS Sports, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-285-results-takeaways-jon-jones-secures-his-place-in-history-alexa-grasso-shocks-the-world/

5. “UFC 285: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane – Winners and Losers” Bloody Elbow, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/3/5/23625479/ufc-285-jon-jones-vs-ciryl-gane-winners-and-losers-mma-editorial

6. “Why Valentina Shevchenko Is A Huge Favorite — And Jon Jones Isn’t — At UFC 285” FiveThirtyEight, 3 Mar. 2023, https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-valentina-shevchenko-is-a-huge-favorite-and-jon-jones-isnt-at-ufc-285/

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