Jon Jones took his triumphant return to the UFC after a three-year hiatus to fight Cyril Gane.
Jones is back and has signed an eight-fight contract to fight in the heavyweight division, a change from his former class, light heavyweight. He had taken three years off due to failing a USADA drug test by testing positive for hydroxy-clomiphene and letrozole metabolite, which are estrogen blockers. His return made for one of the most anticipated fights in the last decade.
It is not an unpopular view amongst commentators to state that Jones is one of, if not the best fighter in the history of the UFC, holding a 27 and 0 win/loss record. His only loss is a disqualification from a fight he was dominating in but was fouled by the referee for a “twelve to six elbow,” which is an illegal strike. This decision to call the strike Jones used has been held in contention by various commentators as a bad call.
On March 4, Jones returned to fight Cyril Gane, who was sitting at a record of 11, his only loss being against Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Contrary to many predictions, Jones won the fight in the first round in under two minutes by submission, a monumental moment for his career.
In the post-fight interview, Jones said, “It’s not about the competition. At the end of the day, it’s about heart, it’s about grit, and wanting to be out there. A Cow and a lion feel the same emotions when they’re fighting… the only difference is that the lion actually wants to be there.”
Dana White, President of the UFC, said, “For anyone to deny that this guy [Jones] is the GOAT… I don’t think anyone actually can deny that. He is the greatest light heavyweight ever, and he looks like the greatest heavyweight ever too. This guy is un-f###ing believable.”
Jone’s next fight has yet to be given a date. Still, Jones has challenged the former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, with Miocic accepted the challenge.
