Jon Jones has manifested his destiny and won the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship. After months of hype, Jones and Gane locked the cage door behind them at UFC 285. With their fight, the series of events that kicked off 2023, from Francis Ngannou exiting the UFC and vacating the title, came to a conclusion. The former light heavyweight champion did not even need a round to remind everyone who he was.
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Jones entered the octagon after a three-year layoff to face former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. The consensus greatest UFC fighter of all-time was always going to try and build his already cemented legacy.
Meanwhile, Gane had the opportunity to correct the mistake he made against Ngannou and claim the heavyweight gold.
However, Jones succeeded by submitting his opponent in the first round. He looked as dominant as ever.
Fans react to Jones vs. Gane at UFC 285
The fight halted as soon as it started after Gane landed a low blow on Jones. However, Jones wasted no time after the fight resumed to get the job done. The 35-year-old took Gane down and secured a guillotine choke against the fence. Via a tap heard around the world, Gane submitted to Jones, and the former champion became champion once again.
Jones’ dominant win in record time after a three-year layoff set the MMA world on fire. Following are some of the reactions from the internet.
Where are you @francis_ngannou
— MMA Gone Wild🥋 (@mmagonewild) March 5, 2023
Many felt Jones made the fight look easy.
Jon Jones is the heavyweight champion. And he made it look absolutely easy.
Beyond impressive.
Goodness.
— MartialMind 🇳🇬🇺🇲 (@MartialMind1) March 5, 2023
Talk about an epic return to the octagon! Easy work! #UFC285
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 5, 2023
Several UFC personalities appreciated him.
That was quick.
The Champ is back ⚠️
#UFC285— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) March 5, 2023
And NEW!!!! 🐐 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/ZHAcmiClAw
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) March 5, 2023
People further hyped ‘Bones’ after his victory.
Jon Jones subs Ciryl Gane in the first. Never was in doubt.
Jones is now the new UFC heavyweight champion.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 5, 2023
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Thus, Jon Jones’ return and the eventual win was a big event. His heavyweight debut and title win in the heavier weight class has convinced fans that he is one of the best in the game.
Unless there are any surprises, Jones will face former champion Stipe Miocic in July during international fight week. Jones himself called out Miocic during the post-fight interview confirming his intentions. His has got a lot of people excited.
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What are your thoughts on Jon Jones’ title win? And what are your predictions for the consensus UFC GOAT vs the consensus UFC heavyweight GOAT? Let us know in the comments below.
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