UFC 239: Jones vs Santos main card preview and predictions

by Damon Smith · Published July 6, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2019

UFC 239: “JONES VS. SANTOS”
JULY 6, 2019 T-MOBILE ARENA, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
International Fight Week brings one of the hottest UFC cards ever to Sin City.

From top to bottom the card is stacked. Fighters from all over the world are stepping into the cage tonight. Fighters not even on this card are all over Vegas for this monumental weekend. From Andy “The CrAsian” Nguyen to Anderson Silva to Clay Guida. Valentina Shevchenko to Kyra Batara just to name a couple. The reason is simple, these fights are fire, and this weekend is what every fighter dreams about!

Let’s take a look at the main card and my predictions for these fights.

UFC 239 MAIN CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
(C) Jon Jones (24-1) vs. #3 Thiago Santos (21-6)
Holy Shit is the realest way for me to say it. Her we go with a main event built for the ages as Bones Jones and “Marreta” go to freaking war. Santos is a beast on his feet and has heavy hands and one punch power. Problem is Bones is so damn hard to hit cleanly. Thiago has won 4 of his last 5 fights and finished 3 of those 4. Jones has never truly been beaten and the loss was considered by many more of a no contest due to an illegal blow. Jon is a 5 tool athlete and can do everything at an elite level. Can his chin gold up against Santos? Ahhhh that is the million dollar question fight fans. Monster match up and a monster fight this one is what everyone is waiting to see.
Prediction: Jon “Bones” Jones via Decision

BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
(C ) Amanda Nunes (17-4) vs. #5 Holly Holm (12-4)
Nunes has won 8 straight and finished 6 of those including the knockout heard around the world when the “The Lioness” dropped Cyborg. Amanda is booming with confidence and is currently a two weight champion hungry to keep both straps. Holm ranked number 5 in the world has lost 3 of her last 5 fights in what some consider a slip in her game plan and execution. A mistake she can ill afford to make against Amanda. However that same span Holly also holds wins over Bethe Correia and Megan Anderson so she is always dangerous. Both Women have a win over the “Baddest Woman on the planet” Ronda Rousey. True strikers who like to mix it up make this one you don’t wanna miss. Red Hot fight tonight baby.
Prediction: Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes by way of TKO

#5 Jorge Masvidal (33-13) vs. #6 Ben Askren (19-0)
Oooooh my, get your popcorn ready for this one. Undefeated Askren has rolled through 19 straight opponents and is a masterful wrestler. His submission skills are second to none at the UFC and he is dangerous from every angle and every position. With that said Masvidal is a freaking beast who loves to strike and can meld combos with speed and power in the blink of an eye. Huge questions tonight is can Askren get close enough to take him down without getting knocked out? Can Jorge sprawl his way free and counter with knees and punches to keep Ben off of him? Classic striker vs wrestler in this fight with both men at the top of their respective game. “Funky” Ben Askren is the favorite in Vegas but again I will try the upset here and give the striker that rare nod over an elite wrestler.
Prediction: Jorge”Gamebred” Masvidal via TKO

Luke Rockhold (16-4) vs. Jan Blachowicz (23-8)
While Vegas see’s Luke as a favorite in this fight I won’t lie this one is really hard to call. Both men are monsters on their feet and van throw hands in bunches and with accuracy. Jan has won 4 of his last 5 fights slipping in his last outing to Thiago Santos (Who fights for the Title tonight). Luke has won 3 of his last 5 and is coming off a loss to Yoel Romero. Both fighters are big and strong and can finish a fight on their feet or via submission. Tough one for me to call but I will try the upset here with the thought it could go either way..
Prediction: Jan Blachowicz via Submission

Diego Sanchez (29-11) vs. Michael Chiesa (14-4)
Both fighters have won 3 of their last 5 fights. Sanchez ix coming of back to back wins against Mickey Gall and Craig White, Chiesa off a big win over Carlos Condit. Diego has the heart of a lion and a solid striker who loves to bang.. Michael is a submission specialist who loves the choke. These factors make up the potential for an amazing fight and it is a helluva way to kick it off.
Prediction: Michael “Maverick” Chiesa by Submission