Jon Jones has returned and is now the UFC’s heavyweight champion.
Following a three-year long layoff, the fighter often called the greatest of all time proved why he’s so revered by his peers as he dismantled Ciryl Gane inside the first round to claim the heavyweight title and cement himself in history as a two-division champion.
Jones looked as dominant as ever and it only took him a single takedown to snatch a guillotine choke that trapped Gane against the cage with the Frenchman tapping out to end the fight at just 2:04 in the opening round.
” Jones said, while the title of heavyweight was wrapped around his waist. Jones said, “I have been working hard for this fight for quite some time. A lot of people thought I wouldn’t even be coming back. My goal has been met with my faithfulness. I’ve been faithful to the mission.
“I had a strong conviction if I were to get him down to the ground, the fight would be in my area. Since I was 12 I have been wrestling for over a decade and feel more confident and comfortable on the floor than I ever did. It’s been quite a while since I felt any discomfort on my feet. Once I was able to get my hands on him I realized that this is where I feel most at home and could control .”
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Despite concerns about ring rust, Jones wasted no time taking the center of the cage and putting pressure on Gane as he looked to close the distance and take away his opponent’s best weapons on the feet. Gane tried to circle away but Jones just refused to give him any space to work.
From there, Jones quickly swooped inside to take the fight to the ground and Gane would never get up again.
Gane attempted to escape, but Jones kept Jones in control. He was constantly changing positions and trying to keep Gane from escaping. Eventually as Gane turned with his back against the cage, Jones mounted him and then saw an opening to slip his arm under the chin for the guillotine choke.
Jones was imagining his Lyoto Machida fight in his mind, but this time Gane was standing on the ground. Jones tightened the submission until Gane was trapped against the cage. He couldn’t help but tap out. It was an awe inspiring performance from Jones, especially as he made quick work of Gane in the first round.
Jones now joins Daniel Cormier and Randy Couture as fighters who have held both the UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight titles.
It was quite an achievement for Jones but it doesn’t appear he’s going to take much time to celebrate with designs already made on his next fight potentially at UFC 290 in July.
“You all want to see me beat up, Stipe?” Jones shouted to the crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Stipe Miocic! I’m glad you are training my man. You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time and that’s what I want. You are a terrible .”
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Despite looking as composed as ever, Miocic simply shrugged while he sat in cageside. However, all indications point to Jones setting up an eagerly awaited fight with Miocic later this year. The UFC’s heavyweight title is up for grabs.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/5/23625798/jon-jones-submits-ciryl-gane-lightning-quick-fashion-to-claim-heavyweight-title-ufc-285-main-event?rand=96749
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