Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane at UFC 285
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane at UFC 285
The headliner of the UFC 285 is the heavyweight clash for the vacant title between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane. This is Jones’ return to the octagon after a three-year absence with many scandals in the middle. He is up against Gane, who was the interim heavyweight champion, but later lost to Francis Ngannou in the battle for the unified title. After Ngannou decided to leave the organization, Gane was the first in line for the title clash, while Jones (who was planned to face Ngannou) remained the only logical option.
Jon Jones
If Bony wins this event, he will be considered the greatest ever. Yes, the rival isn’t Ngannou but Gane, yet on the other side, his comeback following a long pause, and many other factors could make this fight an epic one in every possible way, thus cementing Jones’ legacy as well.
He wasn’t that confident in his last few light heavyweight title defenses. Jones beat Thiago Santos via a split decision and Dominick Reyes after a unanimous decision, but being pretty sluggish while doing so.
Three years away from the battles might be too much, and it is possible to see Jones a bit rusty, yet on the other hand, his body needed a refreshment which is why he possibly took that long of a pause. Unlike him, Gane had four fights in the past 18 months.
Ciryl Gane
The French star lost to Ngannou, allowing his former sparing partner to wear him down on the mat, which was petty surprising given that the Predator wasn’t too good of a grappler in his past.
That was Gane’s only loss in his career besides 11 wins. He would quickly bounce back following that slip, beating Tai Tuivasa in a spectacular fight back in September, once he suffered a knockdown before knocking out the rival in the third round of the UFC Paris main event.
Gane is a versatile striker who knows Muay Thai very well and combines his powerful punches with excellent timing and moving inside the ring. He isn’t a one-hit knockout artist, but still, he inflicts heavy damage each time he connects.
Jones’ shape is a big enigma, but we sincerely doubt that he has problems with cardio after three years of absence. Why? Well, simply, he didn’t spend his energy too much. What we consider a problem for him is a new weight because he never had to carry it inside the octagon, which is the only reason why Gane is our pick here.
Our verdict: Gane wins