Jon Jones makes triumphant return to UFC, captures heavyweight title with win over Ciryl Gane

Jon Jones is again on the mountaintop.

In his first UFC bout in three years, Jones moved up a weight class and gained the heavyweight title with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane. He gained with a guillotine choke at 2:04 to place a dramatic cap on UFC 285 in Las Vegas.

“I’m so excited,” Jones mentioned. “I’ve been working for this for a very long time. Lots of people thought I wasn’t coming again. I’ve been devoted to my aim, devoted to my mission.”

Jon Jones reacts after his victory over Ciryl Gane in a UFC 285 blended martial arts heavyweight title bout, Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Jon Jones fights Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship at T-Mobile Arena on March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Jones’ final battle got here on Feb. 8, 2020, towards Dominick Reyes, and he took the mandatory time to organize for a brand new weight class and a brand new crop of fighters. He believed the time away getting ready was price it and employed a crew in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to get into optimum form.

“I needed to present up and get (Gane) all the way down to the bottom,” Jones mentioned. “I’ve been wrestling since I used to be 12 years outdated. I really feel stronger than ever. Once I received him in my fingers, I do know I may take management.”

UFC president Dana White put Jones’ win merely: “Ciryl Gane is a monster. Jon Jones confirmed up and handled him like a child.”

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Jon Jones celebrates after defeating Ciryl Gane in a UFC 285 blended martial arts heavyweight title bout Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Jon Jones leaves the octagon after the UFC 285 blended martial arts heavyweight title bout March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Jones’ unbeaten streak was prolonged to 19 and he improved to 27-1 with one no-contest. He gained a document 13 title fights at gentle heavyweight. He mentioned after the bout he would wish to face Stipe Miocic subsequent. White mentioned the battle will happen, nevertheless it’s unclear when and the place.

Gane fell to 11-2 with the loss.

“This one is so painful,” he mentioned. “This one is a win misplaced. So now that is previous, and most of all for what I see is sooner or later. I’m going to go straight again to the fitness center.”

Jon Jones’ unbeaten streak was prolonged to 19 after he gained the heavyweight championship battle on March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC by way of Getty Images)

Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Conor McGregor had been additionally in the home for the battle.

Jake Gyllenhaal confirmed up in addition to he shot scenes for the “Road House” reboot.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.