• UFC 145 preview

Bitten by betrayal, Rashad comes after Jones' belt

There are many emotions that can be used for motivation in the fight game: revenge, ambition, desire to be the best... but perhaps the most powerful is betrayal.

UFC 145 brings together two men who used to claim to be brothers. Now they can barely look at each other. When Jon Jones and Rashad Evans step into the same Octagon, one of the greatest light-heavyweight fights since Chuck Liddell fought Tito Ortiz will commence. The champ looks unbeatable, but will it stay that way once Evans gets his hands on him?

Jon Jones v Rashad Evans © Getty Images

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Jon Jones v Rashad Evans

Where the fight could be won or lost: Of all the tools Jon Jones has on his feet, his kicks are arguably the most effective. He's able to stay at range, he throws them to different targets and he can do so from either stance. This isn't terrible news for Rashad Evans, though. A kick can be caught and turned into a takedown. It also can be countered with fast hands, which Evans has. I

Expect Evans to alternate between getting in Jones' face and staying on the far outside, forcing Jones to move forward and be vulnerable to counter strikes. Jones has terrific submissions, but Evans is strong in that area as well. Expect Evans to move - nonstop. If the takedown is there, he'll take it, but against a big, athletic opponent like Jones, it probably won't happen very often.

Jones has been so impressive, he simply has to be the outright favourite. His size advantage was significant at the stare-offs, and Evans faces a giant task to overcome it. This will be the most motivated Evans we've ever seen, and it's quite possible Jones is already looking past him, but it's unlikely.

The pick: Jon Jones - Submission

Rory MacDonald v Che Mills

Where the fight could be won or lost: We don't want to completely dismiss the chances of Che Mills here, but this sure looks like a spot for Rory MacDonald to shine. Mills will want a stand-up fight and there's no question he's dangerous as long as he can keep it that. He's a fast starter with heavy hands and lethal knees, which he'll throw aggressively. It's unfair (and inaccurate) to say he has no takedown defence, but let's just say if MacDonald wants it on the floor, he'll get it there.

Mills is an athlete and he's got a good enough gas tank that he won't completely disappear on the bottom, but he's never really shown anything that suggests he'll be able to escape from MacDonald, who has turned into an enormous welterweight these past two years. With the exception of a knockout shot in the opening moments of each round, it's hard to see how Mills pulls this out. MacDonald's size will be a factor and expect him to play it relatively safe and put Mills on the floor. This is more of a nod to the complete package of MacDonald than it is a criticism of Mills.

The pick: Rory MacDonald - TKO

Miguel Torres is yet to impress in the UFC © Getty Images

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Miguel Torres v Michael McDonald

Where the fight could be won or lost: Michael McDonald looks to have the advantage when this is standing. He loves to counter leg kicks - maybe more than any other fighter in the UFC. He'll mix things up with kicks and knees but his bread and butter are his hands. He's light on his feet but when it's there, he'll plant and throw combinations with lethal straights and uppercuts from the right hand.

Miguel Torres' advantages are on the ground. We all know his guard is outstanding and, if given the chance, there's a good chance he catches McDonald in some very tough positions. Can he get the fight where he needs it, though? McDonald is a plus-athlete and his wrestling is often overlooked. How much does experience count? On paper, McDonald has the edge. He looks as though he'll have the ability to stay on his feet, where he wins a standup fight. But if Torres can somehow draw him to the ground, you have to love the veteran. This one's tough to call.

The pick: Miguel Torres - Submission

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