UFC 285: Jon Jones explains his new fighting style – ‘I want to save brain cells’
- New UFC heavyweight champion hints his more risk-averse strategy here to stay after submitting Ciryl Gane in 2 minutes
- ‘Getting away from all the kickboxing … and fighting on the ground is just a lot more advantageous,’ Jones says
Jon Jones has hinted his new more risk-averse style is here to stay after submitting Ciryl Gane in just over 2 minutes to become the UFC heavyweight champion on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old American (27-1, 1 no contest) underlined his status as the “GOAT” (greatest of all time) in mixed martial arts after capturing a second divisional title in the main event of UFC 285.
“Bones” made light work of former interim champion Gane, with the Frenchman tapping to a guillotine choke against the fence at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Jones – who had last fought three years ago, before vacating his light heavyweight title in August 2020 – only absorbed 6 significant strikes, landing five himself, with his takedowns and ground game proving the difference.
“That’s something I’ve been doing my whole life, wrestling and grappling,” he told reporters after his win. “My jiu-jitsu and wrestling confidence is at an all time high.
“That’s just may be my style moving forward, getting away from all the kickboxing. I want to save brain cells, and fighting on the ground is just a lot more advantageous.”
