“The Most Technical Kickboxer I’ve Ever Faced”

We are officially about to enter UFC 285 fight week and Jon Jones has started firing shots at his opponent. The former UFC light heavyweight champion will face Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title on March 4. Many fans and pros expect the 32-year-old Frenchman to be a tough puzzle to crack for Jones. One look at Gane’s resume and it will show that their concerns are not entirely misplaced. However, the youngest-ever UFC champion has a different opinion. According to Jones, he has already fought and beaten better opponents than Gane.

At UFC 285, Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will fight for the title that former champion Francis Ngannou vacated. The Cameroonian exited the promotion after failing to reach an agreement with the UFC over a new contract. Prior to his exit, many considered that he would be the one to welcome Jon Jones to the heavyweight division. Incidentally, many expected the heavyweight powerhouse to be a tough challenge for the returning ‘Bones.’

Despite the opponent’s change, the tune remained the same, as many expect Gane’s technical prowess as a heavyweight will bother Jones. Even UFC President Dana White came out and said that Gane is a bigger fight for Jones than Ngannou. Nevertheless, Jones remains unfazed.

Jon Jones does not think Ciryl Gane is as technical as a former foe

In a recent tweet, Jones addressed the rampant claims that Gane will bother him with his technical striking. According to the 35-year-old, he has already faced someone more technical and dangerous than Gane. Jones credits former opponent Thiago Santos as a better kickboxer than ‘Bon Gamin.’

In his tweet, Jones wrote, “Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced.”

He continued, “Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.”

Jones fought Santos at UFC 239 in July 2019. The Brazilian proved a tough challenge for the defending champion with his heavy strikes. Although ‘Maretta’ injured his left leg during the course of the fight, he had the champion on the ropes a few times. However, Jones did just enough to get a split decision win.

DIVE DEEPER

Apart from his fight against Dominick Reyes, the fight against Santos was one where Jones did not look like his dominant self. Many argued back then that Santos may have actually won the fight.

What do you think about Jones’ statement? Do you think Santos was a tougher challenger than Gane could be? Or is Jones just talking trash?

Watch This Story– List of Jon Jones’ UFC returns that will shock you

Let us know in the comments below.