NFL legend Tom Brady sent a message of support to Jon Jones ahead of the iconic heavyweight's return to the Octagon and headline UFC 285 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Jones hasn’t fought since defending his light-heavyweight title for the last time against Dominick Reyes in February 2020. The UFC legend first hinted at a move up to heavyweight over a decade ago, but he will finally debut in the weight class when he faces Gane for the vacant title.
Gane has previously held the interim belt at the weight class but lost out on the chance to win the undisputed belt when he was beaten by Francis Ngannou in January 2021. It makes for a blockbuster clash, with many fans eager to see how Jones fares in his first fight in nearly three years.
Many fans consider Jones as the greatest fighter in MMA history and have been waiting quite some time for the former UFC light heavyweight champion to make his return. Brady certainly does and sent a message to the 35-year-old ahead of his anticipated return.
“Hi Jon, I wanted to say welcome back to the main stage,” Brady said. “It’s great to see the GOAT doing what he does best and doing what he’s meant to do. I thought seven titles was a lot - you doubled it man!
“I know tonight’s not going to be easy, Ciryl Gane standing on the other side of that Octagon - he’s a bad man. It’s going to be an incredible fight. Dana knows how to put on a great show as always and I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.
“I’m going to be there watching, good luck to both you guys tonight and Jon, congrats on an amazing career of greatness. Let’s f****** go!”
It remains to be seen whether Brady’s endorsement will lead to good fortune for Jones, who may have potentially been cursed after Drake bet $500,000 on him to defeat Gane in the main event. Ring walks for the title clash between Jones and Gane in the main event of UFC 285 are expected to take place at around 5am UK time.