“Oh, it’s a nightmare!” Ciryl Gane recalls devastating moment of Jon Jones defeat ahead of comeback fight in Paris

Ciryl Gane reflects on his 'nightmarish' first round defeat against Jon Jones for the heavyweight title at UFC 285.

“Oh, it’s a nightmare!” Ciryl Gane recalls devastating moment of Jon Jones defeat ahead of comeback fight in Paris

Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to win UFC heavyweight title (Image via Imago)

Following his memorable clash with Jon Jones, Ciryl Gane has offered insights into the perplexing expression that adorned his face inside the octagon. This highly anticipated bout unfolded at UFC 285. It was after Francis Ngannou left a vacant seat on the heavyweight throne.

Jon Jones made his heavyweight debut and grabbed the title after a three-year hiatus to become the new UFC heavyweight champion. Gane’s path to this crucial moment had been met with skepticism. His grappling abilities were questioned, especially in light of his previous struggles against Francis Ngannou. Going toe-to-toe with Jones, a renowned grappler, only fueled these doubts further.

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However, what transpired exceeded all expectations. Jones wasted no time showcasing his mastery. Jon Jones executed a takedown within minutes of the fight’s commencement. As spectators watched, ‘Bones’ seamlessly secured a guillotine choke. He easily forced Gane to submit and left him visibly bewildered in the cage. “I was really happy to be here to fight. And boom, three minutes. It was a bad moment...I remember I stay in the cage like, ‘It’s a nightmare! No, it’s the reality,” he said.

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The image of him in the corner, stunned and immobilized, remains ingrained in the memories of fans. Meanwhile, Jon Jones is gearing up for his first title defense after becoming heavyweight champion. Jones will face UFC veteran Stipe Miocic in a highly anticipated bout this November at UFC 285.

Related: WATCH: “He’s getting a black forearm to his neck,” Young Jon Jones parties with Joe Rogan as WILD Joey Diaz warns champion’s future opponent

What mistake did Ciryl Gane make against Jon Jones at UFC 285?

Jon Jones
Jon Jones at UFC 285 (Image source: Twitter)

Ciryl Gane’s introspection ventured beyond the surface shock. He delved into the technical aspects, identifying his pivotal error. He acknowledged that he was unable to effectively manage the distance against a grappling expert like Jones.

Against the counsel of his coach, he launched a looping left hook, which he regrets. It was a costly decision that resulted in his downfall. Gane ruefully confessed that throughout his entire camp, his coach had repeatedly emphasized just jabbing. But he did not heed and paid the price.

Meanwhile, the impact of this loss continues to live in Gane’s thoughts. However, he seeks to learn from his mistake and prepares for his upcoming challenge against Serghei Spivac at UFC Paris. As he re-enters the octagon, Gane’s experience against Jones serves as a harsh lesson.

It has sharpened his focus and honed his skills for the battles that lie ahead. With a professional record of 11 wins and 2 losses, Gane will headline the heavyweight main event with Spivac this September. Will we see Gane’s redemption and a potential rematch with Jones later down the line? Only time will tell.

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