Jones celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
MMA legend Jon Jones surprised everyone by showing support for Ciryl Gane in a potential rematch against Tom Aspinall . Despite having already faced and submitted the Frenchman in the first round in a heavyweight title fight (up to 120,2 kg), the former champion believes his old rival has what it takes to defeat the Briton and unify the heavyweight title.
In an interview with Ring Magazine, 'Bones' assessed that winning the belt against Alex Poatan boosted Gane's confidence and highlighted the Frenchman's attitude inside and outside the octagon. The two-time champion revealed that he is rooting for 'Bon Gamin's' success.
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“I think Cyril Gane will win. When you become champion and defeat a guy like Alex Pereira, it certainly boosts your confidence. He has my support. I admire the class he demonstrates. I think he is a great representative of France and the UFC, and I hope he has a lot of success for a long time,” Jones stated.
The statement is noteworthy given the history between the two fighters. In March 2023, at UFC 285 , Jon Jones returned from a three-year hiatus, debuted in the heavyweight division, and needed just over two minutes to submit Gane with a guillotine choke, winning the category's belt. Even so, the American believes the Frenchman has evolved since then and has what it takes to definitively establish himself at the top of the division.
If the UFC confirms the rematch, the interim champion will have the chance to erase the controversy of the first fight with Aspinall, as well as confirm the confidence placed in him by the two-time champion, the very man who submitted him.
Relive the first fight between Aspinall and Gane.
Gane attacks Aspinall at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Last October, the heavyweights headlined UFC 321, but the fight ended in a no contest after a series of strikes deemed illegal by the Frenchman.
At the time, Gane landed strikes deemed illegal on Aspinall during an exchange of blows, making it impossible for the fight to continue. After a medical evaluation, the referee ended the fight and declared it a no contest, frustrating fans who were hoping for a conclusion between two of the division's top names.
The controversial outcome prevented the rivalry from reaching a conclusion inside the octagon and increased the pressure for an immediate rematch. With the champion eager to unify the belt and the Frenchman riding high after his victory over Alex Poatan , the UFC has the opportunity to end the rivalry and determine the undisputed champion of the division.
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