UFC 285 is one of the most anticipated events in the world of mixed martial arts, with the highly anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane headlining the card. This event brings together two of the most talented fighters in the UFC’s heavyweight division, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The bout is not only significant in terms of the fighters involved but also because Jon Jones is making his long-awaited return to the octagon after a lengthy hiatus.
Fight Card
The main event of UFC 285 features a title bout between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. This is a clash of styles: Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is known for his diverse skill set, exceptional fight IQ, and wrestling prowess. On the other hand, Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion, is known for his striking accuracy, fluid movement, and technical approach to fighting. The matchup is expected to be a fascinating battle of contrasting styles, with Jones’ versatility being tested by Gane’s precision and speed.
Here’s a breakdown of the UFC 285 main card:
| Fight | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Jon Jones | Ciryl Gane | Heavyweight (265 lbs) |
| Co-Main Event | Valentina Shevchenko | Alexa Grasso | Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs) |
| Welterweight Bout | Shavkat Rakhmonov | Geoff Neal | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Light Heavyweight Bout | Jiri Prochazka | Magomed Ankalaev | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) |
| Heavyweight Bout | Tai Tuivasa | Sergei Pavlovich | Heavyweight (265 lbs) |
In addition to the headlining bouts, UFC 285 also features a number of exciting fights across different weight classes, including a women’s flyweight title bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso, and a welterweight clash between rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov and the experienced Geoff Neal. There is also a light heavyweight matchup between Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev, as well as a heavyweight showdown between Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich.
Cancellations
As with most high-profile events, UFC 285 has seen its share of cancellations and changes to the fight card. One of the most notable cancellations was the scheduled fight between former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and highly-ranked prospect Julio Arce. Unfortunately, Garbrandt was forced to withdraw from the event due to an injury sustained during training, leaving a gap in the card. UFC officials worked quickly to find a replacement, but ultimately, the fight was scrapped altogether.
Another change to the fight card involved the planned lightweight bout between Drew Dober and Terrance McKinney. McKinney was forced to withdraw due to health concerns, leading to the addition of a new fighter, Matt Frevola, who will now face Dober on the main card.
Despite these cancellations, the UFC 285 card remains incredibly stacked, and fans are still in for a thrilling night of action.
Weigh-Ins
The weigh-ins for UFC 285 took place the day before the event, with all the fighters making their required weight. Jon Jones successfully weighed in at 248 lbs, signaling his readiness for his return to the heavyweight division. Ciryl Gane, the number one contender, weighed in at 247 lbs, coming in slightly lighter than Jones, but still in top shape.
As for the other fighters on the card, Valentina Shevchenko weighed in at 124 lbs, while Alexa Grasso came in at 125 lbs for their flyweight title bout. In the light heavyweight bout, Jiri Prochazka weighed in at 205 lbs, and Magomed Ankalaev also weighed in at 205 lbs, making their bout perfectly matched in terms of weight.
One of the most anticipated weigh-ins was the heavyweight bout between Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich. Tuivasa weighed in at 264 lbs, while Pavlovich tipped the scales at 265 lbs, making it a true heavyweight showdown between two hard-hitting fighters.
Predictions
As the event approaches, fans and analysts are making their predictions on how the main event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will unfold. Below are some of the key factors to consider:
Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
| Factor | Jon Jones | Ciryl Gane |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Wrestling, fight IQ, diverse skill set | Striking, movement, technical fighting |
| Weaknesses | Ring rust, inactivity, cardio | Grappling, wrestling defense |
| Key to Victory | Take the fight to the ground, control pace | Stay on feet, outstrike Jones, avoid clinch |
| Prediction | Jones by decision or submission | Gane by knockout or decision |
Prediction Analysis: Jon Jones is widely considered the favorite heading into the fight due to his extensive experience in the UFC and his ability to adapt to different opponents. His wrestling and fight IQ have been key factors in his dominance in the light heavyweight division. However, his lengthy absence from the sport could be a factor in the fight. Gane, on the other hand, is a highly skilled striker with the ability to outpoint opponents from a distance. His key to victory would be to keep the fight standing and avoid Jones’ wrestling.
Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso
| Factor | Valentina Shevchenko | Alexa Grasso |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Striking, grappling, fight IQ | Boxing, movement, aggression |
| Weaknesses | Sometimes passive in striking exchanges | Grappling, takedown defense |
| Key to Victory | Control the pace, avoid getting hit by strikes | Land clean shots, avoid being taken down |
| Prediction | Shevchenko by decision | Grasso by knockout |
Prediction Analysis: Shevchenko is the dominant champion in the flyweight division and is expected to retain her title at UFC 285. While Grasso has made strides in her career and is a dangerous striker, Shevchenko’s superior grappling and experience should be too much for her to handle.
Conclusion
UFC 285 promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year, with a stacked fight card and a historic main event featuring Jon Jones’ return to the octagon. The fights are expected to be fast-paced and filled with drama, as the world’s top fighters square off for supremacy in their respective divisions. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the sport, UFC 285 is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.
As always, predictions are never certain, and the unpredictability of mixed martial arts makes UFC 285 a must-watch event. Will Jon Jones prove that he’s still the greatest of all time, or will Ciryl Gane’s striking prove to be too much for the former champion? Only time will tell!