Jon Jones hadn’t fought for over three years, but in just 124 seconds he proved absolutely nothing had changed.
His victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023 was so emphatic that Dana White said Jones treated his French counterpart ‘like he was just a little kid’.
His dominating performance left no debate about who the greatest MMA fighter on the planet was – even after bulking up to a whopping 248 pounds.
Now, as the 37-year-old UFC heavyweight champion gears up for what could be the final chapter of his legendary career, MMA fans have begged the question: does he still have what it takes to beat the best?
The pressure is mounting on ‘Bones’, with fans relentlessly urging him to fight Britain’s Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, in a unification bout that would define the future of the division.
Aspinall himself has even declared that he wants the fight, and believes Jones is the only one holding up the potential mega encounter.
Aspinall recently said: “I am the best heavyweight in the world and I just want a chance to prove it.”
But while some doubts have crept up now, back at UFC 285 inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, Jones proved why he’s still one of the greatest of all time.
After dominating the light-heavyweight division for nine years and defeating Dominick Reyes, Jones relinquished his 205lb strap in 2020 to move up a division.
Three years later, the New York native made his return against Gane, who ahead of the bout had suffered just one defeat in his entire career—a five-round war with Francis Ngannou.
Heavyweight gold had been left up for grabs after Ngannou was stripped of the belt and released from the promotion, with a contract dispute the driving factor behind the decision.
Jones weighed in at an incredible 248lbs for his fight with Gane, which was a stark contrast to his previous weight of 204lbs against Reyes.
Every single UFC fan was glued to their seat awaiting the return of Jones when Bruce Buffer announced: “The one, the only, Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones.”
The Las Vegas atmosphere was so chilling that UFC commentator Joe Rogan reiterated that he had ‘goosebumps’ before both giants came face-to-face.
Both men started lively with Jones throwing the first kick, until Gane’s response quickly disrupted the rhythm, as it caught his opponent right on the groin.
Jones controlled the centre of the Octagon, remaining on the front foot when the fight got back underway as Gane anticipated the American’s first takedown.
Only one minute had passed when that eventually came, as Gane threw a left hook that was swerved by Jones, who proceeded to drag the Frenchman to the canvas.
It was tough to see Gane responding with 250lbs of Jones’ flesh on his back, and although he did briefly make it back to his feet, ‘Bones’ put him straight back down and attacked with a guillotine choke.
Jones tried to find room under Gane’s chin before landing a few blows to the head.
Then, in what seemed like an instant, he wrapped his left arm around the neck of Gane and squeezed with full force, which prompted the latter to tap out instantly.
“Jon Jones! The greatest of all time and now the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,” commentator Jon Anik said immediately after the finish.
“Jon Jones back with style points and there’s no denying him now…number one overall all time.”
Jones’ only punishment during the two-minute bout was the early low blow from Gane and he was now the 18th undisputed UFC champion.
He credited his faith to the project when speaking to Rogan immediately after the fight.
Jones vs Gane – UFC 285 (stats)
Domination
- Total strikes
Jones – 8 of 14
Gane – 7 of 9
- Takedowns
Jones – 2 of 2
Gane – 0 of 0
- Control time
Jones – 0:57
Gane – 0:00
“I’ve been working for this for a long time,” Jones said. “A lot of people thought I wasn’t coming back.
“I’ve been faithful to my goal. I’ve been faithful to the mission. There were days I didn’t want to train, and I was always there.”
Jones’ submission was the third fastest in a UFC heavyweight title bout and he also admitted that he never felt out of place on his return.
“I’ve been wrestling since I was 12 years old,” Jones added. “I feel stronger and more comfortable, especially on the ground than ever.
“I 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 can take control.”
‘Bones’ proceeded to call out ‘the greatest heavyweight of all time’ Stipe Miocic, after admitting he was eager to have an active 2023.
However, the youngest UFC champion of all time was forced to pull out of their scheduled bout in November 2023 after tearing a pectoral tendon.
This meant that the fight didn’t happen until a full year later at UFC 309 in November 2024, with Jones winning via a brutal spinning back kick.
Aspinall stepped in to replace Jones for the original bout, but Miocic was only content with fighting the champion, so the Briton knocked out Sergei Pavlovich instead.
Jones vs Aspinall remains one of the most highly anticipated bouts of 2025.
UFC CEO White has said it will ‘100 per cent’ happen, although there is yet to be any official announcement.
