In what should be a star-studded event, UFC 285 returns home to Las Vegas later this week and features two spectacular fights at the top of the card. In the main event of the evening, former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones is set to square off with former interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. In this fight, Jones is attempting to become the eighth multi-division champion in UFC. The other stellar clash of this evening will be for the UFC Women’s Flyweight championship as Valentina Shevchenko defends her belt against Alexa Grasso. Indeed, when it comes to UFC 285 betting, this article will help guide you along the way.
In this report, SBS will be going over what to look for in each matchup along with some other thoughts and notes about UFC 285 betting.
| UFC 285 Main Event Bouts | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane | Jones | -162 | -162 | -162 |
| Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso | Shevchenko | -600 | -600 | -600 |
Fighter Spotlight: Jon Jones
A fighter with a resume second to none in the light heavyweight division, Jones holds a variety of records in the UFC for his stellar accomplishments. A former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he holds the record for most title defenses, wins, and longest win streak in that division. That said, this upcoming bout against Gane will be his heavyweight division debut after dominating the light heavyweight ranks throughout the 2010s. With an overall record of 26-1 (his only loss coming amidst controversial fashion), no fighter has ever been able to figure out Jones on a consistent basis. Indeed, with a fighting style that has been able to confuse and devastate opponents, “Bones” is always a must-watch competitor each time he steps into the Octagon.
Fighter Spotlight: Ciryl Gane
Recognized as the No. 1 heavyweight fighter in the UFC rankings, Gane is coming off a Fight of the Night over Tai Tuivasa back in September of last year. A combatant known for his balanced attack (five knockouts, three submission wins in 12 fights), the 32-year-old is definitely no pushover when it comes to UFC heavyweights. In fact, the only fighter that has been able to knock off Gane was former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou who left the UFC due to a contract dispute. A powerful fighter, Gane should serve as a great foil to Jones since he has been a solid combatant in each of the fights he has entered. With multiple Performance of the Night credits to his name, the French competitor will make sure this is a must-watch battle.
Prediction: For this showdown, look for Jones to emerge victorious, claim his first-ever UFC Heavyweight championship crown and be a lock for your UFC 285 betting card.
Fighter Spotlight: Valentina Shevchenko
The reigning UFC Women’s Flyweight champion, Shevchenko is one of the most dominant fighters, regardless of weight class, in women’s MMA. Undefeated since September 2017 (a split-decision loss to Amanda Nunes), the champion has been on a rampage through the flyweight division with a spectacular seven title defenses to her credit. During this streak, she has notched four TKO/KO wins over her opponents. While she is coming off a close victory over Talia Santos at UFC 275, no fighter, other than Nunes, has been able to figure out Shevchenko.
Fighter Spotlight: Alexa Grasso
Opposing the champion will be Grasso who is currently recognized as the No. 6 athlete in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings. A rising star in the division, this will be the 29-year-old’s first shot at a championship in the UFC. Since moving to the flyweight division in 2020, Grasso has notched a perfect record of 4-0 in fights in this weight class. With multiple unanimous decision wins and one submission victory, the Mexican combatant has definitely earned a shot at Shevchenko’s title.
Prediction: This should be a solid matchup, but similarly to Jones, no one has been able to slow down Shevchenko for long. It would be a huge upset if Grasso wins here but takes the champion again to retain her title.
Once you are all squared away regarding your UFC 285 picks, SBS is here to make sure your gambling adventures are as smooth as possible with all kinds of resources. For instance, if you need more information regarding the topic at hand, our UFC betting sites guide has you covered with all the latest betting markets related to the sport. Here you can find the best UFC 285 bets and beyond. Moreover, a fantastic page to always have bookmarked is the SBS best bonus betting sites rundown which goes over the latest and greatest welcome bonuses available. Concurrently, if you are looking for even better ways to maximize your bets, our VIP sports betting sites breakdown is a must-read page. Here, you can find out all the ways you can use VIP betting to your advantage and if it is a good fit for you.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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