After a break of over three years from the Octagon, Jon Jones made a comeback and quickly reasserted his dominance by defeating Ciryl Gane. He achieved this in just two minutes in the main event of UFC 285 on Saturday. This was Jones’ first fight since February 2020, and he won by submission.
With this win, Jon (27-1, 1 NC) took the vacant title and brought clarity to the top of the heavyweight division.
A new P4P king has been crowned 👀👑
⬇️ Check out the latest rankings!
[ B2YB @VeChainOfficial ] pic.twitter.com/02wLzsFcKM
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2023
It is uncertain whether Gane (11-2) will be able to bounce back from such a lopsided loss. At the beginning of the fight, Gane hit Jones with an illegal kick below the waist. He still was unable to find any success afterward. Jon managed to dodge one of Cyril’s punches and took him down to the ground, where he swiftly ended the fight with a guillotine choke.
“I locked it up twice,” says Jones. “The first time, I could hear his spine popping. I gave him a nice chiropractic adjustment. The second time, he didn’t want that same ratchet on his neck, and I put my arm on his neck and choked him out.”
Despite having the chance to test himself against one of the greatest competitors in the sport, Gane was unsuccessful on the grandest stage of all.
Jon Jones Vs Stipe Miocic : Will the clash of the titans happen?
Following his win, the always-controversial Jones is now targeting former two-time champion Stipe Miocic. Miocic, who is widely regarded as the greatest UFC heavyweight champion, holds records for the most consecutive heavyweight title defenses at three and the most successful heavyweight title defenses at four.
Jones is aiming to solidify his claim as the greatest of all time, and a convincing title defense against Miocic would only serve to strengthen his case.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2023
“This isn’t a job to me,” says Jones said in an interview. “It is my life. It’s my identity. This is who I was intended to be in my mother’s womb. It’s my purpose and plan. This is my destiny.”
Miocic (20-4) fought last in March 2021 and was defeated by knockout by Francis Ngannou. Since then, he has been waiting patiently for his championship rematch. At 40 years old, he will enter the fight against Jones as a significant underdog. Given Jones’ versatility, especially considering Miocic’s age, it seems unlikely that Miocic will win.
If Jones does defeat him, there will be no clear contender for the belt unless Ngannou returns.
“I don’t think it will matter who I fight next,” says Jones. “As long as I continue to give glory to God, He’ll keep lifting me up and giving me the victory.”
Throughout his controversial career, Jones has now appeared to find the way to success. His renewed focus on his career seems to be bringing out his best, and he is eager to defend his heavyweight title for the first time.
Jon will soon fight Miocic, let us know your thoughts in the comments.
