UFC 145 Fight Card: Predictions for Jones vs. Evans Clash

UFC 145 will culminate in what will be an epic clash between two fighters that know everybody well. There is no doubt in my mind that Jon Jones will come away victorious, but it will be far closer than you think. 

Getting Jon Jones in the octagon is always a must-see event, but this one carries a great deal more intrigue from what Rashad Evans brings as a wrestler, and how these two fighters have an in-depth knowledge of one another. 

While they may have trained with one another in the past, both have evolved to become versatile fighters that can take pretty much anything that comes their way. 

Jones is the favorite, and is my pick to win this bout, but I have confidence this will be a gritty fight taken to the mat early and often. 

The first thing to watch for is Jones' striking, which is enough to have any fighter squeamish about stepping in against him. 

He has an unheard of reach and will keep a great distance. That is what he will rely on to start each round. 

Evans is cagey, and will get close enough to battle Jones inside. There is no way this fight doesn't get to the mat early, but Jones is confident he can take it from there, according to USA Today. 

"

We know which way his head is going to lean when he flinches. We know his favorite guard passes. We know what his work ethic was. We know what gets him tired. We know eeeeverything about him. Absolutely everything.

"

The budding feud between the two may lead the headlines before the fight, but this is still a sport dominated by Jones. 

Evans may be great on the ground, but Jones comes with a versatility and endurance that will give Evans issues. 

You can also look to his submission on Ryan Bader as his ability to change styles when needed. Jones is the most complete fighter and still my pick to win what will be a close fight. 

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