‘What an absolute monster’ – Fans elated as Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane to claim heavyweight title in UFC 285 main event

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