Jon Jones shows off his transformed physique at heavyweight ahead of Ciryl Gane fight
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Jon Jones insists he feels ‘strong’ as he shows off his transformed heavyweight physique and weighs in at 248lbs ahead of his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Cyryl Gane at UFC 285… with his opponent tipping the scales at 247.5lbs.
- MMA icon Jon Jones said he felt ‘strong’ at heavyweight as he tipped the scales
- Jones weighed in at 248 pounds while showing off his new physique at the weigh-in.
- His opponent Ciryl Gane weighed in at 247.5 pounds going into Saturday’s matchup.
MMA legend Jon Jones showed off his new heavyweight frame ahead of his matchup with Cyryl Gane at UFC 285 as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the Octagon on Saturday night.
‘Bones’ said he felt ‘strong’ as he tipped the scales at 248lbs at the weigh-in for the event, and is ready to make a statement against the Frenchman in Las Vegas.
The 35-year-old dominated the light heavyweight division before opting to vacate his belts in 2020 ahead of his move to heavyweight. He last fought in February 2020 against Dominick Reyes, winning via unanimous decision at UFC 247.
Now Jones has given fans a glimpse of the reborn version of himself in the heavier weight class, admitting he’s proud of his heavier frame and confident he has the strength to cause Gane trouble.
‘I love what I saw [of his figure]’, he said after the weigh-in. Heavyweight is new to me, but I think I look strong and I’m strong.’
Jon Jones was brimming with confidence as he showed off his new heavyweight figure on Friday.
‘Bones’ said he was feeling ‘strong’ ahead of making his long-awaited comeback against Cyryl Gane
Gane weighed in at 247.5 pounds and vowed to ‘surprise’ his rival with footwork and ground play.
Jones and Gane had an intense matchup this week and ‘Bones’ said he was sure he looked into his opponent’s eyes, and now he’s excited for his big moment ahead of his return.
‘[The press conference] I felt extraordinary, I didn’t know what to expect. The reception was amazing. I had to take deep breaths and humble myself. I felt bad for Gane, they wouldn’t let him talk!
“I wanted to look him straight in the eye and see what he was made of. I am happy to have done it. At this point there is not much you can do to change his tendencies. What he does wrong what he does right is obvious.
I’m going to have a big smile on my face tomorrow, embracing the moment. I know a lot of people are watching, I’m going to embrace my destiny and take it all in.’
Jones and Gane had a tense showdown this week, with the former thinking he’s seen what the Frenchman is made of after looking into his eyes.
Meanwhile, Gane weighed in at 247.5lbs, and the Frenchman said he hoped to ‘shock’ Jones with his quick footwork and ground game.
“For me, it’s always the same mentality: respect for anybody,” Gane said.
He disrespected me a bit, but I’m fine with that. It’s hard to get under my skin, maybe because I started this sport late.
‘My footwork will surprise you, I manage my distance very well and have a good jab. So we’ll see. A lot of people talk about my ground game against [Francis] Ngannou – I am confident in my game. I can make something beautiful on the ground.
[On Jones’ kicking ability] ‘He has a good kick, but I think so do I. Even if my legs are not long, this means nothing to me. I am ready for this war.