Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. With a record of 27 wins, one loss, and one no-contest, he has dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade. But on March 4, 2023, he stepped up to the heavyweight division to face off against the 11-1 Cyril Gane. The result? A first-round submission victory that solidifies his position as the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
There were many questions going into this fight. Could Jones hang with the bigger, stronger Gane? Would his grappling be enough to take down and submit the Frenchman? But Jones answered those questions emphatically, showcasing his superior grappling skills from the opening bell.
Jones wasted no time in taking Gane down to the mat, where he immediately went to work on securing a submission. Gane, who had never been submitted before, looked lost on the ground, unable to defend against Jones's relentless attacks. After a few minutes of ground and pound, Jones locked in a rear-naked choke, and Gane was forced to tap out.
This victory is significant for several reasons. First, it marks Jones's successful debut in the heavyweight division. For years, fans have wondered how he would fare against bigger opponents, and he showed that he has the skills to compete with the best of them. Second, it puts Jones in a prime position to challenge for the heavyweight championship. With the win over Gane, he has solidified himself as a top contender in the division.
But perhaps most importantly, this victory cements Jones's position as the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The pound-for-pound rankings are meant to reflect a fighter's overall skill and ability, regardless of weight class. For years, Jones has been near the top of these rankings, but his move to heavyweight and victory over Gane puts him over the top.
Yes, Volakanovski and Islam Makhachev fought for number 1 pound-for-pound last month, however, with neither guy grabbing it as emphatically as Jon Jones did, Jones is deservedly the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
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