Jon Jones takes on Cyril Gane at UFC 285 tonight in his eagerly-anticipated return.
The greatest MMA fighter in history in the eyes of many, the 35-year-old finally gets the chance to claim the prize he’s wanted most throughout his turbulent career – the heavyweight title.
Following the release of Francis Ngannou, Jones will square off against Gane for the ultimate prize in the promotion.
It, frankly, is the biggest fight the sport has seen in what feels like an age. It pits perhaps the greatest UFC fighter of all time against the best heavyweight there is on offer at the moment, a man beaten by only Ngannou.
What makes it more interesting still is the fact that this is unchartered territory for Jones and it will be fascinating to see what impact a three-year absence will have.
How to watch UFC 285: Jones vs Gane
TV channel: BT Sport will broadcast the entire event live in the UK, with prelim coverage starting on BT Sport 1 at 1am GMT on Sunday March 5, 2023.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will also be able to watch the entire event live online via the BT Sport website or app.
UFC 285 fight card in full
Main Card
Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane
Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso
Geoff Neal vs Shavkat Rakhmonov
Mateusz vs Jalin Turner
Bo Nickal vs Jamie Pickett
Prelims
Cody Garbrandt vs Trevin Jones
Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis
Viviane Araujo vs Amanda Ribas
Julian Marquez vs Marc-Andre Barriault
Early prelims
Ian Machado Garry vs Song Kenan
Mana Martinez vs Cameron Saaiman
Jessica Penne vs Tabatha Ricci
Da’mon Blackshear vs Farid Basharat
Esteban Ribovics vs Loik Radzhabov
UFC 285 date, UK start time and venue
The early prelims are scheduled for an 11pm GMT start time on Saturday March 4, 2023.
The prelims will then begin at roughly 1am on Sunday March 5, although that is subject to change based on how the earlier card develops.
Finally, the main card is scheduled for a 3am start time on March 5. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the event.
UFC 285 predictions
While it’s difficult to predict what a fighter coming off the back of a three-year absence will be able to do, Jones has the tools to beat Gane.
That’s not to play down Gane’s chances of course and the Frenchman boasts supreme striking skills but he simply cannot match Jones when it comes to wrestling.
Ngannou exposed Gane’s weaknesses on the floor and Jones is more than capable of doing the same.
Jones to win via submission.
UFC 285 weigh-in results
Jones tipped the scales at 248lbs, while Gane comes in slightly lighter at 247.5lbs.
Shevchenko and Grasso both weighed in at 124.5lbs.
UFC 285 latest odds and betting tips
Jon Jones to win: 4/7
Ciryl Gane to win: 11/8
