What to Expect from UFC 247 Title Fight
Throughout his mixed martial arts career, the current undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, has gone from being an up-and-coming star to what many now believe to be the greatest combat athlete in the company’s history. With only one loss on his record, which came through disqualification against Matt Hamill back in 2010, the now 32-year-old faces Dominick Reyes in the main event of UFC 247 at the Toyota Centre.
As a result, we’re going to consider what previous fights tell us about the contest, while also looking at how viewers can now get closer to the action than ever before.
What Can We Learn About the Bout from Recent Fights?
While Jones will come into the fight as the overwhelming favorite, there can be no doubts that Reyes poses a considerable threat to the champion. Over the course of his professional career, the undefeated 30-year-old from California has typically been a quick starter. Since joining the UFC in 2017, ‘The Devastator’ has won four of his six fights by first-round stoppage against opponents such as Jeremy Kimball, Jared Cannonier and former middleweight champion, Chris Weidman. Moreover, at UFC Fight Night 147, he defeated a fellow title challenger in Volkan Oezdemir by split decision.
While fans of the sport are unquestionably aware of Jones’ credentials and fighting style, he has become increasingly competent in dealing with heavy hitters and first-round finishers. Although he has been out of the cage for numerous reasons during parts of the last decade, the champion’s previous opening-round stoppage came against Chael Sonnen at UFC 159 in April 2013. Since then, ‘Bones’ has secured victories over both Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos by decision in each of his most recent bouts.
Fans Can Now Get Closer to the Action
As the highly-anticipated contest between Jones and Reyes edges closer, the rise in digitalization now means that immersion in the fight game has reached new heights. Verdict has created a mobile app that is available on both Android and iOS devices allowing spectators to predict fights such as the UFC 247 headliner, along with scoring rounds. Additionally, the platform enables users to compare their scores with their friends to, by their own admission, increase the engagement surrounding MMA viewing.
While this approach is somewhat new to the fight industry, the iGaming sector has long encouraged accessible and competitive online experiences. At online platforms such as Casino Dingo and Unique Casino, prospective players can enjoy sign-up bonuses across several titles where pokiewins are at a jackpot high. Crucially, and perhaps most like the developments within in-fight MMA judging, the competition among the best pokies is continuing to grow, ensuring that excitement and immersion are heightened for all users.
Unpredictability is What Makes the Fight Game
Even though on paper, Reyes may appear as another undefeated fighter who is likely to fall to Jones, anything can happen once that cage door closes. For the champion, nullifying the early bursts of power from the 30-year-old challenger will be crucial, while Reyes will need to set a pace and apply sustained early pressure if he is to come away with the belt wrapped around his waist.