Getty Image / Josh Hedges
MMA fans have waited years to see Jon Jones make the jump to the heavyweight division.
For much of his dominant reign over the light heavyweight division, fans envisioned dream matchups between Jones and heavyweight opponents like Brock Lesnar, Stipe Miocic, and Francis Ngannou.
Those fights have unfortunately not materialized yet and it has actually been 3 years since we’ve seen Jones inside the UFC Octagon at all.
It looks like all of that could be changing soon.
Earlier today, an advertisement appeared on the outside of the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas that teased an upcoming fight between Jon Jones and Cyril Gane for the UFC’s heavyweight belt at UFC 285 on March 4th.
For what it's worth, two different
photos of this UFC 285 billboard are circulating.Jones vs. Gane for the heavyweight championship at UFC 285 would be incredible. pic.twitter.com/3aieyynDdk
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 14, 2023
Then MMA journalist Al Zullino reported that his sources were telling him that this fight really was being set up as the UFC 285 main event.
Per sources, a heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Cyril Gane has been finalized.
Match will serve as the main event for #UFC285 on March 4.
— Al Zullino (@phre) January 14, 2023
Now Michael Wonsover has spoken to Jones after his training session today with Henry Cejudo and Jones confirmed that he will be fighting Gane for the belt.
Just spoke with Jon Jones after a training session with @HenryCejudo in Phoenix. He confirms the upcoming heavyweight title fight with Cyril Gane, and also says he plans to have Cejudo in his corner if their schedules align. #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/3ItpnKY4ni
— Michael Wonsover (@The_MDubb) January 14, 2023
It’s a massive fight of the UFC as one of their greatest fighters of all time heads up a weight class for the first time and this has to be seen as a good matchup for Jones.
Jones has strong wrestling acumen that he has regularly put on display in the UFC. Gane struggled badly to stay on the feet against an injured Francis Ngaanou the last time he fought for the belt.
However the matchup ends up playing out, the UFC is already putting together a loaded schedule for 2023.