Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

With the UFC stripping Francis Ngannou of the Heavyweight title and the former champ leaving the promotion, former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane and two-time light heavyweight champion Jon Jones battle for the heavyweight gold. Frenchman Ciryl Gane, whose only loss in professional mixed martial arts was against Ngannou at UFC 270 in a failed bid for the heavyweight title, is confident that he will be second time lucky against one of the G.O.A.Ts of mixed martial arts who will be making his heavyweight debut at the championship scrap after a lengthy hiatus from the sport. The fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the main event of UFC 285.

MMA: UFC Heavyweight championship

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Where to watch: PPV

Date: 5.3.2023, 6:00

After three suspensions, two titles, and a three-year hiatus, Jon Jones makes his way to the Octagon to write a new chapter in his illustrious mixed martial arts career. Arguably, the greatest martial artist, the 35-year-old American has broken all the records out there, beaten some of the best guys in the promotion, and after eleven light heavyweight title defenses, has stepped up to heavyweight to challenge for the heavyweight championship in a bid to become a tow-weight champ. With one loss in his professional career, “Bones” stands out for his adaptability and flawless technique. His oblique kick targets his opponent’s knees, and in the clinch, he is excellent. His last fight was a unanimous victory over Dominick Reyes in February 2020 in defense of his light heavyweight title. His resume includes wins over Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Thiago Santos, and Anthony Smith.

• Age : 35;
• Height: 6’ 4”;
• Reach: 84.5”;
• Record: 26-1-1

The French heavyweight is known for his speed, a rare attribute in the division. At 32 years old, Gane, who debuted in the UFC in 2019, has brushed aside all opposition except former champion Francis Ngannou. Like a fast train service, Gane has ranked number one in the heavyweight rankings. Against Ngannou at UFC 270, Gane was leading in the first three rounds before the then-champion switched to wrestling for the rest of the five-round fight before winning the decision. Faced with Tui Tuivasa in Paris last September, Jon Jones KO’ed the number five-ranked Aussie to win in third round stoppage. 

• Age: 32;
• Height: 6’ 5”;
• Reach 81”;
• Record: 21-1-0

On Bet 365, Jon Jones is the favorite, with 1.58 odds to win. The bookmaker prices a win for Ciryl Gane at 2.40 odds. On 1xbet, under 4.5 rounds is priced at 2.08 odds, while over 4.5 rounds is 1.7 odds. Coinplay lists a decision win for Ciryl Gane for 4.32 odds and Gane overcoming Jones by knockout or TKO at 2.75 odds.