The UFC returns to Las Vegas this weekend for UFC 285, which features one of the most anticipated fights in recent history: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, will make his long-awaited debut in the heavyweight division after dominating the light heavyweight division for years. Gane, on the other hand, is a rising star who has impressed with his striking skills and athleticism.
Jones and Gane will compete for the vacant title after former champion Francis Ngannou departed the promotion after contract disputes.
UFC 285 will take place on Saturday, March 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will start at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT and will be available on pay-per-view via ESPN+.
In addition to Jones vs. Gane, UFC 285 will also feature a flyweight title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso, as well as other exciting bouts.
In this article, we will hear from some of Jones’ and Gane’s fellow UFC fighters who have shared their predictions for this epic showdown. These fighters recently spoke with MMA journalist James Lynch and shared their Jones vs. Gane prediction and pick for the fight at UFC 285.
Jones vs. Gane predictions
Jamahal Hill
“I think Jon should be the betting favorite just because of what we’ve seen from him and we know his ability. Ciryl Gane is still a nasty, bad motherf—er.”
Modestas Bukauskas
“All these fights are really interesting. But I think, personally, I think Jones will take that fight because I mean he’s freaking looking massive like a freaking absolute tank, you know, he’s got the striking like he’s got very versatile striking. I think Ciryl Gane probably has a bit of an advantage in the striking aspect just from the way that he moves and switches and does all this stuff. But Jones has obviously got the wrestling pedigree and probably better ground game and if you’re judging the fight from Francis Ngannou… Ngannou was able to take Gane down and Jones is, you know, credentially a better wrestler, obviously, he’s been out of the cage for a very long time. But yeah, I see, Jones taking that one.”
Nazim Sadykhov
“I think there’s just a lot of unknown factors with Jon Jones given that he’s been away for three years. He had a close decision with Dominic Reyes and he hasn’t looked the way he’s looked throughout his whole career. So my point is even on his last outing, which was three years ago in his own weight class, he hasn’t looked how he’s looked years prior to that. So now this is three years later of inactivity. I’m sure he’s been training, I’m sure he’s sharper than ever. But he’s also going to a different weight class. I don’t see him winning unless he utilizes his wrestling. I think his key for this fight is gonna be a little bit of cage work, a little bit wrestling, ground and pound maybe. Grapple Gane. I think if he is able to do that, I think he takes it. But I would give the slight edge to Gane because of youth or at least youth in the UFC. I’m sure Gane is also in his mid-thirties, I believe. Right? Yeah. So I would say UFC experience youth and the natural weight class, I would give the edge to Gane slightly.”
Randy Couture
“I think he has a great shot at beating Ciryl Gane. But you know, there are some questions there… Both tactical and technical questions. Moving up and facing a big guy. I think he has everything he needs to do it. But can he pull it off? There’s the question.”
Alex Reyes
“I think Jon. I think Jon’s gonna win that fight with his experience as a well-rounded mixed martial artist. He’ll get in there and find his way in the fight. And I think he has all the tools to beat him. So, Jon by experience.”
Cody Stamann
“Francis was taking Ciryl down when, you know, Ciryl was tricky on his feet. I don’t think that going to be able to bridge that gap in the time that he has. Uh, no, I don’t, I really don’t see how Ciryl can win the fight. I really think Jon jones is gonna be the next heavyweight champion.”
Ian Heinisch
“I mean, Ciryl Gane, he’s gonna get wrestled. Jon’s fight IQ is too good. He’s gonna know, hey man, this guy’s got clean Muay Thai, kickboxing, switches his stance, boom takedown.”
Josh Parisian
“I think that Jon Jones wins. I think that Ciryl Gane, just the way he fights, he’s very retreat, retreat, retreat and I just think that it’s going to go to a decision and I think Jon Jones just picks him apart from the outside and I don’t think we’ll see any wrestling.
“Although, you know, people dog on Ciryl Gane’s wrestling, but like it was a situation where who would have thought he was gonna be taken down and it was a late fight and you know, it was kind of a weird situation there and I wouldn’t judge his wrestling on that, but I also don’t think that he’s gonna take Jon Jones down. You know, he’s been working with Henry and been working his wrestling and stuff, so he’s always been good wrestling defense and stuff.
“So, I don’t know, I just think it’s gonna be a long, just picking apart. I think it’s going to be kind of a boring fight, honestly.”
Kyle Nelson
“The only thing I don’t like about that fight is how Ciryl did with the wrestling from Ngannou in that fight. I see Jones wrestling, I think it’s gonna be a lot better than Francis’. So we might see him again play the long game and move around the striking and stuff. But I think if he does get touched at all by Ciryl then we’re gonna see a lot of wrestling and clinch and so we might end up seeing a decision for Jon Jones if he isn’t able to kind of wear Ciryl down in the later rounds and get a TKO.”
Yohan Lainesse
Jon Jones for me is the GOAT. He’s on the screen of my computer. I love Jon Jones, not about the person, but about the style. But then again, Gane is my French cousin, he was the champion of TKO, the organization I start with in Quebec. It’s a long time since Jones didn’t fight and Gane maybe gonna take the win, man.”