Jon Jones DESTROYS Ciryl Gane with incredible ease to claim vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285

Jon Jones underlined his status as the greatest MMA fighter in history by slicing through Ciryl Gane like a hot knife through butter at UFC 285. 

The controversial American had not fought for more than three years since vacating his title at light-heavyweight to bulk up and have a crack at the division above. 

But there were no signs of rust as he secured the first takedown he attempted, dragging Gane to the ground and making the Frenchman – who has had an immensely impressive young career – look amateurish.

There were so many questions surrounding Jones and real uncertainty about the kind of shape he’d show up in. 

His final handful of performances at light-heavyweight were lacklustre by his own high standards and some believed him to be on a downward trajectory. 

Jon Jones solidified his status as the greatest MMA fighter in history by beating Ciryl Gane to become heavyweight champion

Gane was taken down at the very first attempt by Jones in the main event of UFC 285 in Las Vegas 

Jones bunched his opponent up on the fence and the younger man had nowhere to go, unable to fight the submission

Jones jumped on top of the cage and roared in celebration along with his many thousands of supporters 

Three years of pay rows, false dawns and delays eventually culminated in him arriving back for an immediate shot at the heavyweight title, which was vacated by Francis Ngannou when he failed to agree terms on a new deal with the UFC.   

It was an ignominious start, with Jones stopped from entering the octagon by an eagle-eyed official, who was unhappy with the way his toes were taped. 

After they had sliced the tape between two of them, Jones was allowed to go on but the start of the fight itself was less than ideal as well. 

In the first real exchange, Gane landed a kick to the groin, causing a temporary delay before ‘Bones’ shook it off and carried on.  

More to follow…