@trinidypicks: Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen

The beginning of the end is near.  Or is it? 

Chael Sonnen will attempt to be the first to unseat Jon Jones from his Light Heavyweight throne.  It may seem impossible but that's exactly the uncertainty one needs to push himself to victory.  The sweet taste of the UFC light heavyweight championship belt may be touching to Sonnen's lips at the end of the night on Saturday (27th) at UFC 159.

Jones who is technically unbeaten in his 18 fights (the one loss being illegal elbows to the face of Matt Hamil in a full mount position) has KO'd or submitted his last 8 opponents.  If you're a fan of Jones then you know just how talented this young man has become since entering the octagon in 2008. With only three men making it into the championship rounds with Jones, a game plan with a positive outcome for Sonnen looks bleak. 

So what exactly does Chael Sonnen need to do to crumble Bones?

  Let's look back at the tape. Being that Rashad Evans was the only man to have come close (in terms of making it to the last and final round) to beat Jones, let's use him.  Although, unable to score enough points for the decision there were parts of his fight worth reviewing.  In this match up, Evans kept his distance and was in defensive mode for all 5 rounds. Barely making an aggressive effort but rather getting into what seemed like a hand holding slash 'high fiving' battle.  Making it the distance with the champ is only worth something (if anything) if damage is done. Chael Sonnen isn't one to retreat.

 Sonnen, who is known for his mouth has shown aggression in the past.  Most may relate this aggression with the steroid debacle (vs. A. Silva) however looking past the Anderson Silva fight, it is clear that Chael Sonnen is one who pushes himself to the limit.  Setting his sights beyond what many believe is possible he has returned to Light Heavyweight to face another monster in Jon Jones.  

 It's clear that the fighters who have seen themselves opposite to Jones have tended to lay back in fear perhaps?.  If Sonnen stays true to the fighter that he is, this will not be a problem.  Personally I think that this will be a promising challenge for both Jones and Sonnen.  Jones will finally get an opponent who will keep moving forward and won't lay off and Sonnen will face one of the most athletic, diverse and talented fighters in UFC pool with a chance to prove himself worthy to be called a UFC champ.

Who will I be taking in this fight?

  Those who follow me already know that: 

1) I love to go with a huge underdog.   - The moneyline on Sonnen is currently at +725.  ( How can you not love the payout if Sonnen wins?!  Sure, Jones has the odds in his favour and more than likely we could see a dull fight of 'stay away and keep my belt' but all it takes is chance, and that's what I love about underdogs - they have got nothing to lose and all to gain.)

2) I haven't bet in favour of Jones since taking Ryan Bader.  - And I can't start now. ...