It has been nearly three years since Jon Jones last fought in the Octagon.
But arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time is ready to add to his accolades. UFC President Dana White officially announced Saturday night that Jones will fight Ciryl Gane with the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on the line at UFC 285 on March 4. The mega fight will take place live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The UFC couldn't reach a contract extension with heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, thus making him a free agent, and helped facilitate the Jones vs. Gane fight for the heavyweight title, according to White.
"Both incredibly talented guys," White said during the UFC Fight Night post-fight press conference.
"Ciryl Gane is a heavyweight who moves like a middleweight. He's got a really well-rounded game and Jon Jones is the best to ever do it in my opinion. So, you couldn't ask for a better fight."
Jones (26-1) last defeated Dominick Reyes on Feb. 8, 2020, recording his 11th light heavyweight title defense. The fight against Gane will mark Jones's highly-anticipated heavyweight debut.
Meanwhile, Gane had himself a stellar 2022. Although he dropped a unanimous decision to Ngannou in January, the French fighter bounced back to knock out Tai Tuivasa in September.