Israel Adesanya’s pick is in for the big UFC 285 main event.

MMA’s arguably greatest fighter of all-time is finally back after a lengthy hiatus, making a long-awaited fight fan dream come true. Jon Jones will debut in the heavyweight division, attempting to capture vacant UFC gold tomorrow night opposite Ciryl Gane, and everyone’s questions surrounding “Bones” will be answered.

Jones departed the light heavyweight division after a close and hard-fought unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes in Feb. 2020. The win capped off a relatively lackluster string of performances for the legend compared to what fans grew accustomed to seeing. Jones has since alluded to having lost some motivation and “fear” as a dominant reigning champion, therefore, leading to his transition to a new weight class. Adesanya feels that Jones’s former titleholder at middleweight will be a difficult fight.

“”If you’re looking for someone to get up in the morning and wake you up, then this guy is it,” Adesanya stated on his YouTube Channel .. “Ciryl Gane, ‘Bon Gamin,’ he’s game. He’s a man to look up to. I think cause of activity, to be honest, and who he is, I’m gonna go Ciryl, but I won’t be surprised if ‘Bones’ wins.”

Gane has also held UFC gold in his still-young 12-fight MMA career, capturing an interim crown in 2021. Although he lost to Francis Ngannou in the undisputed bout, he started strongly and many believed a win would be his.

Unfortunately for Gane, Ngannou handed him his first and only loss via a unanimous decision. Gane’s comeback was impressive, as he defeated Tai Tuivasa in the third round. This shows that he is still considered a heavyweight contender.

” I can’t fight, but this is the fight,” Adesanya stated. “Jones out for three years, Gane’s been active he’s a ‘new’ breed of heavyweight. He is light, agile, and very good at grappling. Many forget that Francis knocked Gane down. But, I believe this is also the surprise element. Francis is strong and can wrestle so Gane didn’t expect it. He thought that he would have to fight Francis because that’s what Francis is famous for.

“Gane is a grappler, man. He’s light because he is a heavyweight. His oblique kick is excellent, he has good footwork and submissions. He can do a lot of random kicks, such as a heel hook. Good leg kicks .”

While Adesanya and Jones have had some personal differences and back-and-forths on social media during Jones’ absence, “The Last Stylebender” still respects the abilities of the former light heavyweight king. Ultimately, Adesanya feels his fellow striking sensation, Gane, must be taken seriously.

“Jones’ wrestling, that’s his superpower, isn’t it?” Adesanya said. “And range control. It’s three years. Three years away from the game is a hard ask for any man just to be away from fighting for that long. Jon is one of those rare, special people who can come back from the dead and look amazing.

” But again, when it comes to special fighters, Ciryl is one of them .”

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TOP STORIES

Assessment. Jon Jones explains why he considers Ciryl Gane most incomplete heavyweight at top of division

Banter. Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira exchange shots following Michael Chandler’s win in the TUF fight

Redemption. Cody Garbrandt confesses his ‘life was in shambles’ before flyweight debut: ‘I wasn’t in a good place’

Surprise. Jon Jones fires back at critics after debuting new heavyweight physique: ‘Good thing it’s not a bodybuilding competition’

Content. Phil De Fries not eyeing UFC return with KSW success, targets ‘dream come true’ Alistair Overeem fight

Versions. Ciryl Gane’s head coach ‘expecting the Jon Jones we saw in the second fight’ with Daniel Cormier at UFC 285

???. Jon Anik reveals his burning question for Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut at UFC 285

Nope. Charles Oliveira will ‘never’ watch his loss to Islam Makhachev, demands title shot with UFC 288 win over Beneil Dariush

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VIDEO STEW

Between the Links.

UFC 285 Pre-fight press conference.

UFC 285 Presser staredowns.

Jones and Gane forecasts.

Embedded 4.

Ciryl Gane’s greatest hits.

Farid Basharat – Next Level.

Jones vs. Nickal.

DC check in with Bo Nickal.

CCC Breakdown.

RIZIN Landmark 5 hype.

PFL Challenger Series week 6 weigh-in recap.

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LISTEN UP

Heck Of A Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck counts down to UFC 285, reacts to Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez signing with BKFC.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Soon.

Future champ…?

Review.

Eye test.

An essay from DC.

Mixup!

Numbers.

Road to UFC.

Probably.

Get some fans, Jon.

President O’Malley.

Got ‘eem.

A kick?!

TBT.

Reality.

Dialed in.

The notorious Jiri.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Manuel Torres (13-2) vs. Trey Ogden (16-5); UFC San Antonio, March 25

Rani Yahya (28-10-1, 1 NC) vs. Montel Jackson (12-2); UFC Vegas 71, April 22

Rena Kubota (13-4) vs. Claire Lopez (7-4); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

Koji Takeda (15-4) vs. Luiz Gustavo (12-2); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

Johnny Case (22-6) vs. Ali Abdulkhalikov (11-2); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

Kazuma Kuramoto (10-3) vs. Shinobu Ota (2-2); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

Tsuyoshi Sudario (6-2) vs. Roque Martinez (16-8-2); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

Kanna Asakura (19-7) vs. Mei Yamaguchi (21-14-1); RIZIN Landmark 5, April 30

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I have a feeling that this fight is going to end up being less competitive than we might hope. So many questions!

Happy Friday, gang. Enjoy the chaos of 285. Jed, thanks for reading.

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EXIT POLL

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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/3/23622787/morning-report-israel-adesanya-picking-ciryl-gane-over-jon-jones-this-is-a-guy-to-wake-up-for-ufc?rand=96749