UFC 309 odds, predictions: Full fight card picks for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

First, Mike Tyson.Then, Jon Jones.Combat sports fans received a treat this weekend with Tyson returning Friday night to fight Jake Paul and UFC 309 on Saturday, headlined by Jon Jones facing Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title.If Jones does indeed defeat Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, will he just ride off into the sunset instead of fighting Tom Aspinall?It’s the question everyone wants answered.But first, we dive into UFC 309 for our best bets and full card predictions.Jones looked untouchable in his debut at heavyweight against Cryil Gane nearly two years ago.A few injuries and postponements later, and Jones returns against Miocic, who also is making his return.He hasn’t fought since 2021, when Francis Ngannou brutally knocked him out.

Expect Jones to grapple and kick Miocic throughout this fight.Miocic has done a wonderful job in his career using his technical boxing to get him out of trouble, and he really didn’t face trouble against in Ngannou until he let his guard down and got knocked out.

The issue for Miocic is that he it’s unlikely that he possesses the same athleticism he did in the past.Jones will have a major speed advantage in this bout, which eventually will carry him to victory.

I’m not expecting this to be a short night at the office, though.The official prediction is that Jones eventually gets in close, lands elbows, cuts up Stipe’s face and gets him out of there, whether by doctor’s stoppage or TKO.We’re betting Jones to win in Over 1.5 rounds (-135) and a smaller wager on the fight going the distance.PICK: Jones wins in over 1.5 rounds (-135, DraftKings) | Fight goes the distance (+310, FanDuel)Michael Chandler is an adrenaline dump waiting to happen every time he enters the octagon.

This isn’t a knock on his cardio — it’s a knock on his composure.He simply gets too excited in the octagon.Chandler has a great chance to win this fight in the first round since the first time he fought Charles Oliveira, he clear...