Jon Jones opens as an underdog for heavyweight title fight vs. Ciryl Gane

Jon Jones will return to action in the UFC octagon after a nearly three-year hiatus. He will make his debut in the heavyweight division against Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title.

In the wake of Francis Ngannou's shock exit from the promotion, Jones and Gane will contest the now-vacant championship at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023. The opening odds are in for the blockbuster main event that will see the return of one of the most recognizable names in mixed martial arts.

Surprisingly, Jones is not the favorite in the matchup as the more experienced heavyweight Gane is favored at the initial odds offered by BetOnline.

MMA journalist Chamatkar Sandhu tweeted about the same. He wrote:

"Jon Jones is the 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗢𝗚 in his UFC Heavyweight Title Fight with Ciryl Gane: Jon Jones +160 (8/5) Ciryl Gane -185 (20/37) (odds via @betonline_ag) [exploding head emoji] #UFC285."

Check out Chamatkar Sandhu's tweet below:

Jon Jones is the 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗢𝗚 in his UFC Heavyweight Title Fight with Ciryl Gane:

Jon Jones +160 (8/5)
Ciryl Gane -185 (20/37)

(odds via @betonline_ag) 🤯 #UFC285 https://t.co/cW2dEPZAI5

Jones last fought at UFC 247 in February 2020 against Dominick Reyes. He defended his light heavyweight strap in a closely-fought encounter that many believed should have gone Reyes' way. 'Bones' vacated his title soon after over contract disputes with the UFC and has been on the wait ever since.

Ciryl Gane reacts to 'dream' fight against 'GOAT' Jon Jones

No.1 ranked contender Ciryl Gane will fight in his third title match and will look to make it count this time around.

He discussed his emotions ahead of the fight in a press conference held after UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov. Gane spoke about his inexperience in the sport and how he looked up to Jones as an inspiring model.

Gane said:

"I'm really young in the MMA. Everybody know I started a few years ago and before that I was really not in the MMA. And yes, when I started to watch this, of course Jon Jones was one of my favorite fighters because - I'm really fan of every sports in the MMA, and when you look at a guy like Jones, well-rounded like this, you really appreciate.

"And he's the GOAT. He's the GOAT, look his career. I’m a young fighter and I think it’s a dream of every young fighter [to] fight against a GOAT. This is really crazy for me."

Gane overcame Tai Tuivasa in Paris in his last outing and cemented his position at the top of the heavyweight division.

Check out Ciryl Gane's comments on Twitter below:

Ciryl Gane admits Jon Jones was one of his favorite fighters when he first started watching MMA.

"I’m a young fighter and I think it’s a dream of every young fighter [to] fight against a GOAT. This is really crazy for me.”

Full scrum ▶️ youtu.be/L_I6a9PhLmc https://t.co/Yw3xKUWhKm