UFC 235 odds, predictions: Top-rated MMA insider picks Jones vs. Smith, Woodley vs. Usman

One of the most polarizing and decorated MMA champions of all-time highlights UFC 235 on Saturday as Jon Jones defends his light heavyweight title against upset-minded Anthony Smith at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The preliminary card starts at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the main UFC 235 fight card at 10 p.m. ET. Returning from a suspension for a positive drug test, Jones recaptured the light heavyweight title with a technical knockout of Alexander Gustafsson in December. Smith, known for exciting bouts and a handful of stunning upsets, defeated Volkan Oezdemir in October to earn the title shot. Jones is a -950 favorite (risk $950 to win $100), while Smith is a +625 underdog (risk $100 to win $625) in the latest Jones vs. Smith odds. The co-main event features welterweight champ Tyron Woodley (-160) defending his title against Kamaru Usman (+140). Before you make any UFC 235 picks and MMA predictions, you need to hear what incomparable SportsLine MMA expert Kyle Marley has to say.

Before you lock in any UFC 235 picks, check out what incomparable MMA expert Kyle Marley has to say. Marley won the first-ever “ToutMaster” UFC betting contest sponsored by MMAOddsBreaker and appears regularly on multiple MMA betting and daily Fantasy shows. He watches every single fight for every single UFC card and does extensive research before each event. 

Over the past nine months, $100 bettors who have followed Marley’s picks are up nearly $18,000. It’s an astonishing cash rate that shows the depth of Marley’s knowledge. At UFC Fight Night 145 Prague last week, Marley told SportsLine members that Thiago Santos (-110) would beat Jan Blachowiz by knockout in the main event. That’s exactly what happened, as Santos landed a third-round flurry to end the light heavyweight fight and give Marley’s followers another easy winner. Also, at the much-anticipated UFC on ESPN 1 two weeks ago, Marley gave followers a strong underdog winner when he accurately predicted Andre Fili (+120) winning by decision over Myles Jury. 

Now, with UFC 235 fast approaching, Marley has carefully studied every matchup on the card, identified the best value in the UFC 235 odds, and released his MMA picks for every single fight.

In the main event, Marley knows Jones is eager to build on his UFC legacy, despite a career that has been derailed by various legal issues and failed drug tests. Even so, many observers believe he is the most gifted MMA fighter to ever set foot in the cage. Marley also is aware that Smith has overcome his own share of adversity and stunned UFC fans with several upset victories, including one over Hector Lombard and in his most recent win over Oezdemir as a +150 underdog. His UFC 235 picks for every single fight can be found only at SportsLine.

One of Marley’s UFC 235 predictions we’ll give away: former bantamweight champion Cody “No Love” Garbrandt (-160) defeats Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision. Garbrandt is fighting for the first time since losing back-to-back bouts against rival T.J. Dillashaw. He lost by knockout in both matches after capturing the title with a win against Dominic Cruz.

“If this fight stays standing, Garbrandt should have an edge, and I expect him to win a decision with better boxing,” Marley told SportsLine. “We’ll see a fun, striking battle for three rounds. I’m really looking forward to this UFC 235 fight.”

Prior to his two losses to Dillashaw, Garbrandt had won 11 straight, including nine by KO or TKO. The 27-year-old stands 5-foot-8 and has a 65.5-inch reach. “Garbrandt’s wrestling is superior, and he’ll control where this fight takes place,” Marley added.

Marley also has strong picks for Smith vs. Jones and Usman vs. Woodley. He’s only sharing who to back for every single bout on the UFC 235 fight card over at SportsLine. 

Who win Smith vs. Jones and Usman vs. Woodley? And how exactly does each fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks for UFC 235, all from the sizzling expert who’s up nearly $18,000 on MMA in the past nine months alone, and find out.