By Lourence Alturino
Image from MMAJunkie.com
The GOAT is back. Jon Jones has returned to the UFC after a three year layoff and is making his long awaited heavyweight debut. The man that will be standing across from him is the most dangerous striker in the division, Ciryl Gane. These two technical titans are fighting for the Heavyweight Championship, but who wins? Will Jones further his legacy or will Gane finally be crowned champion?
Jon "Bones" Jones (26-1, 1 NC)
The greatest of all time. Jon Jones stepped into the UFC fifteen years ago and has dominated the light-heavyweight division ever since. Becoming the youngest UFC champion ever and winning the most title fights in history with 14. The names on his resume include former champions and legends. Jones is the best to ever to do it, but now he's in a new division. He's finally at heavyweight and the biggest question is how he will perform at this new weight class.
Bones is not the best striker nor the best wrestler ever, but his total skillset plus his IQ has led him to beat every man he's ever fought (his only loss being a controversial DQ). Again, will he be the same Jon Jones and get back to his championship winning ways?
Keys for Jones
- Take fight to ground consistently
- Avoid stand up
- Obtain top control
Ciryl Gane (11-1)
Ciryl Gane is a bad man in the striking realm. His stand up style is so unique for a heavyweight. The speed, footwork, angle changes, heavy emphasis of kicks. Heavyweights are not supposed to fight like this, which is what makes Gane so threatening. Gane is the biggest opponent Jon has faced with a completely different style that he's used to. Ciryl Gane can very well play spoiler to the return of Bones. Gane lost his first shot at the title, but will he get it done this time against Jones?
Keys for Gane
- Defend takedown
- Establish jab
- Attack Jones' legs
Breakdown
Jon Jones will be looking to wrestle for the whole fight. Gane struggled with Ngannou's wrestling in their championship fight due to the former champ's strength. Jones is not only strong, but he has the technique due to his wrestling prestige. Ciryl Gane will be Jones' heaviest opponent however, so overpowering Gane will be more difficult than Jones anticipates. Bones obtaining top control and raining down strikes will be Jones' best bet to win this fight.
In the stand up, Gane has the advantage all the way. Keeping this fight on the feet for as long as possible is key for Ciryl. Attacking Jones' legs should be a big emphasis of the game plan for the Frenchmen. Breaking the base of Jon Jones is something nobody has really had success with, but if there is someone to do it, Gane can.
Final Prediction
This is a tricky fight to call because we just don't know what kind of Jon Jones we will get at this weight. Plus with how technical Gane is, it's not an easy prediction to make it by any means. I'm predicting Bones pulls this one off though. Gane's wrestling against Jones is what worries for Gane. Ciryl will make this tough on the feet, Jon's wrestling will be the game changing difference. Jon Jones becomes the UFC Heavyweight Champion via decision.
Comentarios