Jon Jones marked his triumphant return to the UFC after three years by winning the heavyweight title at UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
Despite making his debut at heavyweight, the American needed only two minutes to become a two-weight UFC champion by submitting France’s Ciryl Gane with a guillotine choke.
With this victory, Jones has now won all 16 of his UFC title fights, further cementing his status as one of MMA’s greatest fighters.
He also joins the elite group of fighters who have won UFC titles at two weight divisions, including Conor McGregor and his bitter rival Daniel Cormier.
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Jones immediately called out two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic after the fight, saying “You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time and I want you. I want you real bad.” Throughout the week in Vegas, Jones had insisted the fight with Gane was a mismatch, but he still managed to deliver a dominant performance.
After a groin kick momentarily interrupted the fight, Jones quickly took control by taking Gane’s back and grappling him to the ground.
He then sunk in the guillotine choke and forced Gane to tap out soon after. Jones walked away casually to soak up the applause before celebrating further on top of the octagon.
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“I had a strong conviction that if I got him down to the ground, the fight would be in my area,” Jones said after the fight.
“I’ve been wrestling since I was 12 years old and I feel stronger, more comfortable, especially on the ground, than ever.
“With kickboxing, you never know what’s going to happen. I zig, he zags. There was a major feeling out process, 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 where I could take control.“