Jon Jones ended a three-year sabbatical from the UFC, moved up to its highest weight class and emphatically won the heavyweight belt Saturday night with a first-round submission over Ciryl Gane.
The 35-year-old Jones took Gane to the mat just a little more into the round, and won with a guillotine choke at 2:04 in UFC 285.
“I’m so excited,” Jones said. “I’ve been working for this for a long time. A people thought I wasn’t coming back. I’m been faithful to my goal, faithful to my mission.” For Jones, this was his first fight in three years and his first in the heavyweight division. The former light heavyweight champion is regarded as UFC’s greatest fighter.
Jones, however, wanted to prove he could be just as successful at the highest weight, and that for sure would erase any remaining doubts about his place in history.There were questions whether so much time off would affect Jones’ effectiveness, and he spent time at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to prepare for this night. His last fight was Feb. 8, 2020, a unanimous decision over Dominick Reyes.
“I had to show up and get him down to the ground,” Jones said. “I been wresting since I was 12 years. I feel stronger than ever. Once I got him in my hands, I know I could take control.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jon Jones wins heavyweight title at UFC 285 after three-year sabbaticalJon Jones ended a three-year sabbatical from the UFC, and won the heavyweight belt Saturday night with a first-round submission over Ciryl Gane.
Read more »
UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane Picks and PredictionsBones Jones has taken heavy money that's swung the UFC 285 odds in his favor, but Ciryl Gane's more experienced at heavyweight and might not be the mismatch some expect. See why our UFC picks don't think he's such a dog.
Read more »
UFC 285: Ciryl Gane promises he's prepared for whatever Jon Jones might bringCiryl Gane is a former champion, albeit of the interim variety, and he's one of the greatest all-round athletes in the UFC. He's fit, quick, explosive and presents numerous problems for his opponents. He's not a one-dimensional guy who relies on big-time power.
Read more »
Jon Jones returns at UFC 285 seeking heavyweight title and GOAT statusAfter a record 14 title victories at light heavyweight. Jones ends a three-year hiatus to move up and fight top-ranked Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship
Read more »
UFC 285: Jon Jones up 44 pounds from last fight ahead of heavyweight title matchJon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, is not so light anymore as he prepares to make his heavyweight debut at UFC 285.
Read more »
Jon Jones ‘fighting to be greatest ever’ at UFC 285Jon Jones will take a step up to the heavyweight division and attempt to end any doubt, if any remains, that he is the greatest fighter in UFC history.
Read more »