In the main event of UFC 285 on March 4, Jon Jones, 35, one of the best MMA fighters pound-for-pound and the most decorated light heavyweight champion in UFC history, will face former title challenger Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight championship. At the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference on Saturday, UFC president Dana White made the announcement.
Francis Ngannou, the current UFC heavyweight champion, has resigned his championship and is a free agent as a result of the revelation, according to White. Ngannou won the championship in 2021 by knocking out Stipe Miocic, and he successfully defended it in January 2022 by defeating Gane in a close decision. Since then, he has been sidelined while recovering from a knee injury, but he is now one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA history and will search for a new team.
Will Jon Jones be able to win the heavyweight title?
Jones (26-1, 1 NC) is regarded as one of the best competitors in history. Jones, a two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, defended his title 11 times between 2011 and 20. Along the way, he defeated many of the sport’s greatest fighters, including Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Mauricio Rua, Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort, and more.
Ciryl Gane will face Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 💪 pic.twitter.com/iWy2MKMUiM
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 15, 2023
Since giving up his 205-pound crown in the early months of 2020 in preparation for a potential move up to heavyweight, Jon Jones has been sidelined. The 6-foot-4 American, who has been openly considering a heavyweight move for more than ten years, has recently committed to changing the shape of his physique and packing on more than 255 pounds.
Despite his success in the ring, “Bones” has been involved in numerous controversies both inside and outside of competition. In late 2021, a domestic battery case involving an alleged incident in Las Vegas followed his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame for his victory over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165.
The No. 2 heavyweight in the world according to MMA Fighting is Gane (11-1). The 32-year-old Frenchman has triumphed in eight of his nine UFC fights, including a thrilling knockout victory over Tai Tuivasa in his most recent fight in September of last year. In his first attempt to win the UFC championship, Gane faced Ngannou and lost by unanimous decision.
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas hosts UFC 285.
Who do you guys think wins this fight? Will Jon Jones be finally able to capture the heavyweight title he has longed for or will Ciryl Gane ruin the party for the former light heavyweight champion? Let us know in the comment section below.
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