Jon Jones Explains Why He Believes Ciryl Gane Will Beat Tom Aspinall in Rematch
Jon Jones has given his two cents on the soon-to-be-announced heavyweight title unification clash between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall.
Gane, the current and two-time interim 265-pound titleholder, most recently knocked out Alex Pereira in Round 2 at UFC Freedom 250. By law, he should be running it back with the undisputed heavyweight titleholder Aspinall next.
Gane wants the rematch to take place on his home soil in September, and Aspinall is game to accept the challenge. Their previous meeting came at UFC 321, but the bout ended in a no-contest in the first round. “Bon Gamin” double-eye-poked the Brit, after which the champ was not able to continue fighting.
Aspinall had to undergo double eye surgery earlier this year and was sidelined for months. However, now, the 33-year-old is back in training and has also notified the UFC brass that he plans to enter the octagon soon.
Why is Jon Jones backing Ciryl Gane to beat Tom Aspinall?
Jon Jones, who has shared the octagon with Ciryl Gane, believes the latter has what it takes to beat Tom Aspinall. During a recent interview with Ring Magazine, the former two-division champion opined that the Frenchman’s confidence has to be at an “all-time high” after his recent performances. Jones also added that although Aspinall appeared dominant at UFC 321, many fans believed Ciryl Gane was winning the fight before it ended in a no-contest. Jon Jones said:
“I think Gane’s going to win. I believe Gane’s going to win. I mean, when you become the champion, and you beat a man like Alex Pereira, it has to do something for your confidence. And even in Gane’s first fight with Tom Aspinall, Tom was looking pretty invincible until Ciryl Gane. And most people feel like Gane was winning that fight. And so I feel like Gane’s confidence has to be at an all-time high.”
The American also recalled a backstage conversation with Gane following their 2023 clash while explaining why he believes the Frenchman is one of the most confident fighters in the division. Jon Jones said:
“I tell you, the night that I fought him, we were backstage. We were talking to the doctor, and he came into my curtain when I was privately with the doctor, and he stood up in front of me. And at that moment, he just seemed so much bigger than just moments before. He stood up in front of me. He looked me in the eye. He shook my hand, and he said, ‘I’ll be back. We’re going to do this again.’ And he said it like he meant it. And that taught me a lot about his character right then. He wasn’t mad. He wasn’t bitter.
He was a great sportsman. And he seemed more destined and determined than ever, to the point where I was slightly intimidated because I was like, ‘Dude, I just choked you out minutes ago, and you’re looking at me like you’re ready for round two.’ So I believed him when he said, ‘I’ll be back.’ But now he is back. Just against different competition. He has my support. I love the class that he carries, and I think he’s a great representative for France and for the UFC, and I hope he does really well for a really long time.”
Check out Jon Jones lauding Ciryl Gane below:
