Jon Jones has marked his return as the new UFC heavyweight champion. Following a three-year layoff, the fighter widely regarded as the greatest of all time demonstrated why he is so highly regarded by his peers by dismantling Ciryl Gane in the first round to claim the heavyweight title and cement his legacy as a two-division champion.
Jones looked as dominant as ever, and it only took him one takedown to snare a guillotine choke that trapped Gane against the cage, forcing the Frenchman to tap out at 2:04 in the first round. “I’m so excited,” Jones said after the match.
“I’ve been working for this for a long time. A lot of people thought I wouldn’t even be coming back. I’ve been faithful to my goal. 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. I’ve been wrestling since I was 12 years old and I feel stronger and more comfortable, especially on the ground than ever. I actually felt a little goofy on the feet, it’s been a while. But once I got my hands on him, I knew that’s where I’m most comfortable and I could take control.”
Jones wasted no time taking the centre 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, despite concerns about rustiness. Gane attempted to circle away, but Jones simply refused to give him any room to work. Jones swooped in quickly to take the fight to the ground, and Gane never got up again.
While Gane attempted to scramble free, Jones was simply too good with his control, constantly shifting into new positions to prevent an escape. Jones eventually mounted Gane with his back to the cage and saw an opening to slip his arm under the chin for the guillotine choke.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Jon Jones’ win
What was that haha #UFC285
— Johnny Muñoz (@KidKvenbo) March 5, 2023
Jon Jones just ran through Ciryl Gane. What an absolute monster. Jones is the new heavyweight champion. #UFC285
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) March 5, 2023
There was some debate going on with the commission and cutmen prior to Jon Jones' cage entrance. He was wearing some tape on his left foot, which they partially removed. #UFC285
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) March 5, 2023
The tape on the toe is gonna go.
— Heidi Fang (@HeidiFang) March 5, 2023
Jon Jones left foot #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/x8GINz6LAC
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) March 5, 2023
HES BACK pic.twitter.com/HRwIUAoAKH
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 5, 2023
Flying the flag for France!
?? @Ciryl_Gane has his date with destiny! #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/NJQHzxHTvc
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 5, 2023
Ready to watch @JonnyBones go to work!! It’s about to go down!! #ufc285
— Roy Jones Jr. (@RealRoyJonesJr) March 5, 2023
Jon Jones out to "God Gave Me Style" by 50 Cent into "The Champ is Here" by Jadakiss
Ciryl Gane out to "Zoo" by Kaaris#UFC285
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 5, 2023
Ohhhh shitttt. He had a flag!! All ufc fighters knows what im talking about lmfao
— Brendan Allen (@BrendanAllenMMA) March 5, 2023
