The highly anticipated UFC 285 event is just around the corner and fans are eagerly awaiting the main event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane. This is one of the most intriguing fights in recent UFC history, as Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight champion, will make his long-awaited debut in the heavyweight division against Gane, a rising star in the UFC's heavyweight ranks.
The fight has been years in the making with fans and experts alike speculating about Jones' move to the heavyweight division for what seems like an eternity. After taking a hiatus of over three years, Jones returns to the Octagon looking to become a champion in a second weight class. Meanwhile, Gane is looking for redemption after a failed bid for the heavyweight crown against Francis Ngannou in 2021.
The stakes are high, with the winner likely to challenge for the UFC heavyweight championship in the near future. But who will come out on top in this historic clash of styles and personalities? In this article, we'll take a closer look at both fighters, their respective strengths and weaknesses, and try to make an informed prediction on the outcome of this epic showdown.
Fighter Profiles
Let's take a look at the fighters and what we can expect from this highly anticipated matchup.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones is one of the greatest fighters in UFC history and for good reason. He's a former two-time light heavyweight champion and has a record of 26-1 with 1 no contest. He's been in the Octagon with some of the best fighters in the world and has come out on top. However, this fight will be his first at heavyweight and it's unknown how he will perform at this weight class.
Jones is known for his well-rounded skill set with excellent striking and grappling abilities. He's also known for his intelligence in the Octagon always seeming to be a step ahead of his opponents. However, he hasn't fought since 2020 and has had a long layoff which could affect his performance.
Ciryl Gane
Ciryl Gane is a rising star in the UFC heavyweight division, with a record of 10-1. He's a former interim heavyweight champion and has shown excellent striking and footwork in his fights. He's also shown an ability to defend takedowns, which will be crucial in this matchup.
Gane has a Muay Thai background and is known for his striking with a variety of kicks and punches at his disposal. He's also shown an ability to finish fights with 7 of his 10 wins coming by knockout or submission.
My Prediction
This is a difficult fight to predict as both fighters have unique skill sets that could make for an interesting matchup. Jones has the advantage in grappling and will look to take Gane down while Gane has the advantage in striking and should look to keep the fight on the feet.
I believe that Gane will come out on top in this fight. He's shown excellent footwork and striking ability in his fights and I think he'll be able to keep the fight on the feet and avoid Jones' takedowns. While Jones is a great fighter, his long layoff and move to heavyweight make this a difficult matchup for him. Gane is younger, fresher, and has been more active in recent years which could make all the difference.
Ultimately, I predict that Gane will win by unanimous decision, showcasing his striking and footwork throughout the fight. It's sure to be an exciting matchup and one that UFC fans won't want to miss.