Ciryl Gane Explains Why He Beats Jon Jones at UFC 285
The UFC announced a bunch of news at the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference. Ciryl Gane came out as a massive winner as UFC President Dana White announced that he would fight UFC legend Jon Jones at UFC 285 for the vacant heavyweight title.
In one night, the landscape of the UFC heavyweight division completely shifted. The UFC cut Francis Ngannou and the organization needed someone to fight Jon Jones for the title- enter Gane.
MMA fans have been clamoring for Jones’ move to the heavyweight division as he chases undisputed GOAT status. In turn, Gane is being put in one of the biggest fights of all time.
“I’m really happy to be the first guy in this division fighting with Jon Jones,” Gane told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 217 post-fight news conference. “And I’m sure it’s going to be – he’s a great athlete.” Quote via MMA Junkie.
Despite Jones being one of the most skilled fighters in MMA history, Gane likes his chances at UFC 285.
“He’s going to stay well-rounded,” Gane said. “I don’t think he’s going to prove something. I think he just wants to win his fight against me, and I don’t know what is a good way to win against me. Of course, some people like to say my wrestling game is not good because of the fight with Francis, but this is not the case. I was not focused on just that. I’m well-rounded, too. I can imagine a fight where we’re going to stay on the feet and maybe we’re going to try some time to go down.” Quote via MMA Junkie.
Gane certainly struggled in the wrestling department against Ngannou at UFC 270. At the same time, he was getting the best of the striking exchanges.
Gane will need to make a lot of grappling improvements before UFC 285 if he wants to defeat Jones. Otherwise, expect a five-round grappling clinic from Bones.
While Gane likes his chances, it does not look like bettors feel the same way. Gane initially opened as the favorite, but the line has moved closer to a pick’em in less than 24 hours.
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