Jon Jones cites striking of former foe in response to fans 'overhyping' Ciryl Gane's kickboxing
Jon Jones' return to action will see him take on No.1-ranked heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Jones will not only fight at heavyweight for the first time in his career, but many also believe that Gane's kickboxing will challenge the former light heavyweight champion like no other.
However, 'Bones' would beg to differ despite Gane's Muay Thai background, which saw him amass an unbeaten 13-0 record in the striking-only sport. Jones took to Twitter to cite his fight against Thiago Santos as an example of him facing a superior striker to the Frenchman, presenting the Brazilian as the most technical and versatile standup fighter he has faced.
He tweeted:
"Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced. Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility."
Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced. Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.
The UFC 239 showdown between Jones and Santos went the distance and was ruled in favor of Jones.
Jones also pointed out that Ciryl Gane's last three opponents did not offer much of a defense against his striking, therefore amplifying its effect. Jones tweeted:
"ganes last three opponents had terrible defense. Those guys couldn’t stop a kick if their life depended on it. He’s fought flat footed boxers his last three fights"
ganes last three opponents had terrible defense. Those guys couldn’t stop a kick if their life depended on it. He’s fought flat footed boxers his last three fights
Dana White reveals the UFC has a backup for the Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane fight
UFC president Dana White was quizzed on his backup plans for the UFC 285 main event in case either Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane is forced to back out.
In an interview after UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Muniz, White addressed the issue and stated that the promotion always has a fighter on standby for fights of this magnitude. However, he refused to reveal the name of the heavyweight who is slated to wait in the wings.
White said:
"Is there a backup fighter for the main event? Yes, we always have backups for those kind of fights. [Can you reveal who that is?] I’m not gonna- I’m not gonna say it, but yeah, we got a backup."
Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones have never missed weight in their careers and will give it their all to make this opportunity count.
Check out White's full press conference on YouTube: