We are back with yet another amazing PPV card! Celebrating its 30 years, the UFC has gone all out with the fight cards and UFC 285 is no exception. As such, let’s take a look at what’s in store for fans in the main event on March 4, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
In the main event, fans will be treated to the return of the GOAT, Jon Jones, making his heavyweight debut. Taking on the former interim champ, Ciryl Gane, Jones will be challenging for the vacant heavyweight title. Previously, Francis Ngannou decided to part ways with the UFC, leaving a vacuum at the top of the heavyweight division.
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Thus, it is up to one of the greatest MMA fighters in existence and one of the most skillful and prolific heavyweights to take that top spot. Coming into this one, we will see Jones take to the Octagon after a 3-year layoff. Thus, with such an extended time period away from fighting and moving up a weight class, it will be interesting to see what Jones has in store for us.
On the other hand, Ciryl Gane is the #1 ranked heavyweight, owing to Francis’ departure. Notably, it was Francis who handed Ciryl his first professional loss at UFC 270. However, the Frenchman has done well to recover from that, beating Tai Tuivasa in an entertaining fight at UFC Paris last year.
UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane stats
| Stats | Jon Jones | Ciryl Gane |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 26 | 11 |
| Losses | 1 | 1 |
| Height | 1.93 m | 1.93 m |
| Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 2.15m | 2.06 m |
| Age | 35 | 32 |
Jones vs Gane: Fight Breakdown
Ahead of the fight, there have been a lot of questions regarding Jones and how he will cope with the heavyweight division. However, we mustn’t forget that Jones had every intention of moving up to heavyweight immediately after his fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Thus, Jonny Bones has been preparing for this move-up for a long time.
On the other hand, Gane should have put considerable time into improving his grappling and wrestling. Against Ngannou, Bon Gamin seemed helpless in trying to defend his takedowns. Against someone like Jones, he will have to come in with a lot of preparation, and may still fall short. With Jones having bested Olympic-level wrestlers like Daniel Cormier in the past, there is little hope for the Frenchman.
However, in his time with the UFC, Ciryl (11-1) has showcased some exceptional striking and is one of the most fleet-footed fighters in his division. Often praised for moving like a middleweight, Gane possesses the speed and power to debilitate anyone he comes up against. At the same time, Jon’s toughness and chin have been one of his most underrated qualities.
Moreover, with a reach advantage, a newfound power, and belief in his abilities, it is highly unlikely that Jones will shy away from a firefight either. As usual, Jones will look to connect with a signature head kick and pounce on his prey to finish the fight. Just take a look at his fight-ending sequence against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, where he picks his opponent apart before delivering the finish.
Coming in as the favorite in this one, it is understandable why many are picking Jones to win this one. With the danger he brings to the ground and standing up, Ciryl will have to cope with a lot of what Jones will throw at him. Thus, his only hope will be to keep the fight on his feet and avoid getting tagged too early in the fight. However, it is likely that Jones will eventually wrap up the fight before the championship rounds.
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