JON JONES made UFC history with a blistering and legacy-enhancing submission victory over Ciryl Gane.
The former light-heavyweight champion returned to the octagon on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 285, where he challenged Ciryl Gane for the vacant 265lb title.
GettyJon Jones returned at UFC 285 to face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title[/caption]
GETTYHe made light work of the Frenchman – choking him out in two minutes[/caption]
Frenchman Gane was tipped by many to give Jones a rude welcome back to the cage and the heavyweight division.
But he made incredibly light work of the Muay Thai specialist, submitting him in two minutes to become a two-division champion.
Jones, 35, was overcome with emotion after the fight, which he expressed in his post-bout interview.
He said: “First and foremost, I gotta give thanks to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
“Without him, I never would’ve made it this far.
“I’ve been working for this for such a long time, but I’ve been faithful to my goal. I’ve been faithful to the mission.
“There were days that I didn’t want to train but I was always there
“I knew if I got him down to the ground that the fight would be in my area as I’ve been wrestling since I was 12 years old.
Most read in Sport
“I actually felt a little bit goofy on the feet, but I want to say one last thing, ‘Baa!’”
Jones has now set his sights on a showdown with former dominant heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic.
He said: “Stipe Miocic, I hope you’re training, my guy.
“You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that’s what I want. I want you — real bad.”