EXCLUSIVE | Pro fighters make their picks for Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 2

In the main event of UFC 232 this Saturday, former UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon — though not in the setting we originally expected. His opponent in this return to action will be Alexander Gustafsson, the Swedish star who gave him his toughest challenge to date back in 2013.

Ahead of this massive UFC 232 rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, BJPENN.com reached out to a number of pro fighters to get their predictions for the bout.

Here’s what they had to say:

BJPENN.COM Fighter Picks: Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Matt Brown, UFC welterweight: I don’t have a pick for that one, but I will go with Jon Jones. How could you possibly bet against Jon Jones? That is not a concrete pick on my side, I’ll tell you that.

Geoff Neal, UFC welterweight: I’m going to go with Jon Jones by decision again. I don’t see that fight getting finished. I think it will be very close but Jones is going to get the win.

Damien Brown, RIZIN lightweight: I think Jon Jones wins by finish in the second round. Jones will submit him.

Jon Fitch, Bellator welterweight: Alexander Gustafsson, third round TKO. Just cause I want to see it.

Diego Ferreira, UFC lightweight: Jon Jones by decision.

Sodiq Yusuff, UFC featherweight: Jon Jones by decision. Honestly, Jones-Gustafsson is a bit of a toss-up because of the layoffs on both sides. With that said, I will lean more towards Jones based off of accomplishments. We don’t really know what the difference in the skills they are bringing will be.

Fernie Garcia, Golden Boy MMA Bantamweight: Jon Jones, fourth-round TKO. I think Jones, he is so confident and fearless so he will win by TKO.

Kyle Nelson UFC lightweight/featherweight: I watched the first Jones-Gustafsson fight live. When I was in the arena watching it live I had Gustafsson winning. It was a close fight. Jones already being the champion, when it is that close of a fight it is hard to give the belt away. I think Gustafsson showcased enough skills to get the better of Jones again. Jones is coming off a long layoff and so is Gustafsson. The last time Jones came off a long layoff against OSP he definitely didn’t look good, I don’t know if that is ring rust or what. If he comes back looking like he did against OSP, then Gustafsson is going to beat him. However, I think Jones will come back looking like himself and being dedicated. I think Gustafsson is going to win but it will be a close decision.

Ricky Bandejas, Bellator bantamweight: Jon Jones by decision.

Zak Cummings, UFC middleweight: I’m going Gustafsson, I thought he won the first one. I think he will win, I don’t see him finishing him, I think it goes to a decision but I’m going with Gustafsson.

***

Fighters picking Jon Jones: Matt Brown, Geoff Neal, Damien Brown, Diego Ferreira, Sodiq Yusuff, Fernie Garcia, Ricky Bandejas

Fighters picking Alexander Gustafsson: Jon Fitch, Kyle Nelson, Zak Cummings

In case you missed it, here’s what the same pro fighters predicted for the UFC 232 co-main event battle between Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/27/2018.