UFC welterweight explains why Ciryl Gane is a tougher fight for Jon Jones than Francis Ngannou
Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane are set to fight for the heavyweight title left vacant by the unexpected departure of Francis Ngannou, who turned down a new contract offer by the UFC after fulfilling his previous one by defeating Gane at UFC 270.
Considering Gane's unanimous decision loss against Ngannou last year, many have wondered how the Frenchman would fare against the former light heavyweight champion.
On episode #134 of The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, UFC middleweight Belal Muhammad opined that Gane would be a tougher opponent for Jones compared to Ngannou. The No.4-ranked middleweight cited Jones's extra weight and Gane's elite movement as some big hurdles for Jones to deal with:
"Honestly, I think it's a tougher fight than Francis [Ngannou]. I do. I think that Ciryl Gane has movement, his footwork and he's so good with his front leg and for Jon Jones... This time it's a longer time off and you're coming back with way more weight on... Ciryl Gane, you have to watch the kicks and footwork."
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Jon Jones is set to make his long-awaited return to the UFC octagon at UFC 285 after his last appearance in the light heavyweight division against Dominick Reyes in 2020. Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, is coming off a statement knockout win over Tai Tuivasa later in 2022.
Watch the full episode below:
Robert Whittaker predicts Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
Robert Whittaker recently weighed in on the upcoming UFC heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane that will headline UFC 285 on March 4. Interestingly, the bout will see 'Bones' head into a fight as the underdog for the first time since 2009.
While fans and fighters continue to debate the possible outcome of the fight, the UFC's No. 2-ranked middleweight seems to be putting his chips on Jones to emerge victorious.
In a recent interview with Mainevent, Whittaker claimed that 'Bones' has the wrestling skills required to take down 'Bon Gamin' and submit him. 'The Reaper' pointed out the reasons for Jones being such a dominant fighter and stated:
"Jon Jones is going to take Gane down and just lay on him and finish him there. Jones' wrestling is next calibre. Nobody comes close to what Jones can produce in the octagon... He can take people down and grapple with ease, strike with the best of them, he's got cardio and strength... And Jones probably has the highest IQ in the game. He'll see a weakness and he'll exploit it."
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