Jon Jones has cemented his status after winning the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. The 35-year-old American submitted Gane in just over 2 minutes to claim his second divisional title in the main event of the Las Vegas showpiece.
More than just winning the title, Jones showcased a new, risk-averse style that he said may be his style moving forward.
Jones only absorbed 6 significant strikes and landed five himself, with his takedowns and ground game proving the difference. He revealed he was injured so he had to rely more on his wrestling and grappling skills.
The ‘New’ Jon Jones wants to move away from Kickboxing
“That’s something I’ve been doing my whole life, wrestling and grappling. My jiu-jitsu and wrestling confidence is at an all time high.”
“That’s just may be my style moving forward, getting away from all the kickboxing. I want to save brain cells,” he added.
“My striking felt a little unfamiliar. I drilled a lot but didn’t spar. When I was out there it was almost like I was trying to remember how to do it”
Jones had previously ruled the UFC’s light heavyweight division, but he vacated the belt in August 2020. He spent the last two and a half years bulking up for a much-anticipated move up to heavyweight. His hard work paid off, despite some fans mocking his chubbier physique.
He holds a rank of purple belt in BJJ and trains under Roberto Tussa Alencar of Gracie Barra New Mexico.
What’s next for Jon Jones?
The former light heavyweight champion is now setting his sights on his next challenge, former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. Jones believes that he is the strongest heavyweight in the division and is confident that he can beat Miocic before the championship rounds.
Henry Cejudo accurately predicted the finishing sequence from Jones vs Gane ahead of the event
Jones reunited with longtime coach Greg Jackson but he still benefitted tremendously from his time training with Henry Cejudo, who predicted the finishing sequence to a T.
Cejudo wasn’t the only UFC champion to accurately predict the outcome of UFC 285. Former Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker also had Jones via submission but Whittaker wasn’t as precise as Cejudo.
John Davis is a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having first started training in the martial art in 2011. Despite facing significant knee issues that have sidelined him for a period, John remains passionate about the sport and continues to follow all the latest developments in the BJJ community.