Unlike previous UFC events during International Fight Week, the build-up to UFC 239 has been relatively plain sailing.
Only a 7.1 earthquake in California, which shook the ground in a big way here in Sin City, has caused any real drama this week.
It means we have a full fight card, no pullouts and a whole host of great fights. Here are our big fight picks for a big night here in Las Vegas.
Jones to outclass Santos
Thiago Santos has blasted his way into title contention with a hat-trick of knockouts, but against Jon Jones he’ll find it significantly more difficult to land on his opponent’s chin.
Jones is, quite simply, the best fighter in the UFC, and quite possibly the best of all time. He’s been relaxed and happy throughout fight week, and a relaxed Jon Jones is a dangerous Jon Jones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlzgqZefJo
He has the skillset, the gas tank and the big-fight experience to defeat anyone in the world, and even though his odds are incredibly short, we can’t do anything but pick him to win on Saturday night.
The best value selection is undoubtedly to back “Bones” to drag Santos all the way to the scorecards and win a decision, and that’s our pick.
Bet of the bet: Jon Jones to win by points – 7/2
Nunes to retain in style
The co-main event match-up sees two-division world champ Amanda Nunes looking to claim a historic win over Holly Holm.
Why historic? Because if she beats Holm, Nunes will have defeated every woman to have ever held the UFC world bantamweight or featherweight titles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuFn9GPRIn8
Counter-striker Holm will be a tricky prospect, but Nunes is in the form of her life and is ready to make another big statement.
Holm has never been knocked out in her MMA career, but she has been submitted, and the 11/2 available on a Nunes win by that method looks very attractive.
Bet of the bet: Amanda Nunes to win by submission – 11/2
Askren to stay undefeated
“Funky” Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal aren’t likely to be exchanging Christmas cards this year. The pair really don’t seem to like each other too much, and they’re about to settle their differences inside the octagon in one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches on the card.
Masvidal is a dangerous man. He stunned Darren Till in London, then attacked Leon Edwards backstage. But against Askren he’s facing a wrestling phenom, who may just have the skillset to completely nullify Masvidal’s weapons.
Askren has never been defeated and came through adversity to defeat Robbie Lawler last time out.
He may have to do the same again here, but he has the game to do it, and we think the 11/10 on an Askren win on the scorecards looks the best bet.
Bet of the bet: Ben Askren to win by points – 11/10
Get the latest odds for the biggest bouts on PaddyPower.com* All odds correct at time of posting.