Jon Jones defeating Ciryl Gane and surprising everyone, including Gane himself.
After more than a three-year layoff from competition, Jon Jones returned to the UFC octagon last Saturday night and only took three minutes to cause a massive upset and write himself into history.
The 35-year-old returned in emphatic fashion, defeating Ciryl Gane with a dominant and clinical first round submission to stun the world of MMA.
Jones wasted no time taking Gane down to the canvas in round one, where he quickly got his wrist under Gane’s chin in a tight chokehold.
It was a nasty choke that forced Gane to tap out almost immediately, which caught everyone by surprise on just how effortless it was for Jones to win in such fine fashion.
Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, is now the undisputed heavyweight champion and becomes just the eighth fighter to claim two UFC divisions. In addition, he also becomes the first fighter to win 15 UFC championship fights which only strengthens his claims to being the greatest fighter of all time.
Following the victory, Jones called for a fight with former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, Stipe Miocic.
In response, Miocic accepted the fight and is set to be scheduled in July. This will be Miocic’s first fight since his defeat to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 back in March of 2021.
Post-fight: Jon Jones calling out Stipe Miocic
Speaking to ESPN after the fight, Miocic had little to say on Jones and his impressive performance.
“He won. That is it. I will see him July,” Miocic said.
When asked how he was going to prepare for the fight, Miocic said not too much would be changed.
“Nothing is going to change; I am going to train my arse off. I am 100 percent ready, no questions,” he said.
“I weigh more than him, I weigh 253. You will see what the difference is in July, I will tell you right now.”
During the UFC 285 post-fight press conference, Jones said how it would mean the world to him if he could beat the heavyweight GOAT and he would give everything he had to prepare for the fight.
“My whole world is going to be focused on him. This is the biggest opportunity in my life to beat the heavyweight GOAT and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, absolutely everything I’ve got,” Jones said.
The attention of MMA fans around the world is now focused on the upcoming UFC 290 event that will take place on July 8, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena facility in Paradise, Nevada where the main event between Jones and Miocic will take place.
Jon Jones is the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. I don’t think many would disagree. His longevity, dominance, resume etc speaks for itself.
While watching the UFC 285 Embedded: Vlog Series, I noticed significant changes in Jones. The physical appearance of Jones had obviously changed as he was making his heavyweight debut to challenge for the vacant title. More importantly, Jones’ time away from the sport allowed him to improve his mental self which was quite obvious through his positive attitude, mental maturity and what he shared with us leading up to UFC 285. Jones seems to be surrounded by a great group of people which is a pivotal part in ensuring his success continues. I see this…