"Your time is done" - Ciryl Gane vows to finish Jon Jones at UFC 285
Ciryl Gane has issued a warning to Jon Jones ahead of their highly-anticipated showdown. Former interim UFC heavyweight champion Gane will face former UFC light heavyweight champion Jones for the vacant UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4th, 2023.
The fight will mark Jones' debut in the heavyweight division and his return to MMA competition after a three-year hiatus. Many view Gane as one of the toughest matchups for 'Bones' at heavyweight. This is particularly owing to the French fighter's footwork and speed, which several fans and experts view as exceptional for a person of his size.
In the UFC 285 Countdown episode posted to the UFC's official YouTube channel, Ciryl Gane seemingly alluded to the same and vowed to finish Jon Jones. 'Bon Gamin' further suggested that Jones' time at the top of the MMA food chain is over. Gane stated:
“I’ve got really good footwork. I can move very well for any heavyweight, and everybody know that. I’m going to have an advantage because I’m going to be fast. I can’t wait to fight against this guy. I’m going to finish him." Gane added, "Jon Jones, your time is done.”
Watch Gane discuss the topic at 28:44 and 31:37 in the video below:
Ciryl Gane's coach on Jon Jones' potential gameplan in their heavyweight title fight at UFC 285
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Ciryl Gane's head coach Fernand Lopez lauded 'Bones' for his striking skills but emphasized that 'Bon Gamin' is on another level in the striking realm.
Gane, who hails from a Muay Thai background, is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA today. Speaking of which, Lopez indicated that once the fight commences, Gane's opponents will soon realize that his striking is a class apart.
Moreover, Fernand Lopez explained that due to Ciryl Gane's elite striking, his opponents are forced to grapple with him and shoot for takedowns or try to secure a body lock. Besides, Gane's lone MMA defeat also came in a fight where he was out-wrestled by Francis Ngannou.
'Bon Gamin' fell short in the wrestling department in their heavyweight title unification matchup in January 2022 and lost via unanimous decision. All things considered, Lopez predicted that Jones too would likely utilize a wrestling-heavy gameplan against Gane at UFC 285. Lopez said:
"I think no matter what Jon Jones or his team would say, they have plan A as wrestling. No matter what they do in the first round, they'll try the wrestling as soon as this thing starts, I believe it. I'm not saying that Jon Jones will not cut Ciryl there and here, [from] time to time."
Watch Lopez's assessment in the video below: