Here are our best UFC picks for Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. Visit Betway for all the latest UFC odds. 

Jones vs Gane odds

One of the most anticipated fights in recent memory takes place at UFC 285 this weekend as Jon Jones, possibly the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, returns from a three-year layoff.

Not only will Jones make his return to the Octagon, he will also be stepping up to heavyweight for the first time and has been handed an immediate shot at becoming a two-weight world champion.

He will face No. 1 contender and former interim champion Ciryl Gane, who is attempting to win the belt at the second attempt following a one-sided decision loss to Francis Ngannou in January 2022.

Jones last fought in February 2020, defending his light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes via a controversial decision. He then relinquished the belt in May amid a pay dispute with the UFC.

It has taken nearly three years for Jones to work out those issues and move up to heavyweight, and Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC in January has opened up a path to the belt on his divisional debut.

‘Bones’, who owns a 26-1 professional record, opened as the underdog for this fight, but has been backed into and will make his return as the betting favourite.

Gane, meanwhile, responded to his loss against Ngannou with a third-round knockout win over Tai Tuivasa in September, earning Fight of the Night honours in the process.

His professional record now stands at an impressive 11-1, with eight of those wins coming via knockout or submission.

‘Bon Gamin’, who will become France’s first undisputed UFC champion if he wins, heads into the fight as underdog.

Jones vs Gane prediction

It’s easy to think that Jones will pick up where he left off and dominate Gane, just as he has done to almost every opponent he has faced in the Octagon.

Jones is perhaps the sport’s most gifted fighter ever, mixing his natural athleticism with impeccable technical skills and a high fight IQ.

But a three-year absence and the step up to heavyweight pose serious questions, as does the pedigree of his opponent.

Some may write off Gane after he was dominated by Ngannou on the ground in his first title fight.

Gane will never be an elite grappler, and Jones represents a far greater threat than Ngannou in that department, but he will have worked relentlessly on his takedown defence in the year since that loss.

Considering he only made his MMA debut in 2018, Gane has already proved an ability to develop at a fast pace, and he will be prepared to be tested on the mat against Jones.

If he does manage to keep the fight standing, then there is no reason why he can’t win this fight, considering he is among the most dangerous strikers in the division.

The only criticism of Gane’s work on the feet is that he can be very conservative, waiting for his opponent to make the first move. If he allows Jones to find a rhythm, he will be in for a long night. 

Ultimately, Jones’ all-round skills and ability to adapt should be the deciding factor in this one.

He has moulded himself into a winning machine, with his only career loss against Matt Hamill coming via a controversial disqualification. It’s hard to bet against him, even after a three-year break.

Quite simply, Gane’s only path to victory is on the feet, while Jones has the skills and experience to win this fight in any manner.

Ring rust and the step up in weight could mean that this isn’t his cleanest win, so backing him to win on the scorecards looks a good bet.

Jones to win by decision