What’s up, fight fans? Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re diving deep into a question that’s been on everyone’s mind: Is Jon Jones still legit? After his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane, many are still wondering—was this the same Jon Jones that dominated light heavyweight, or is age, time off, and the jump to heavyweight catching up to him?
In this video, we’re going to break down Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane and specifically focus on the “Void”—what I call the gap that exists when a fighter’s game plan falls apart or when they’re too outmatched to fight back. Spoiler alert: Jones made Gane’s void so big it was impossible for Gane to recover. Let’s break down why Jon Jones is STILL one of the most dangerous fighters in the world, even after all these years.
Jon Jones: The Same Dominant Force?
First things first—Jon Jones isn’t the same fighter he was when he was at 205 lbs. And that’s not a bad thing! Jones has added muscle, adapted to the heavyweight division, and found a way to keep his game as dynamic as ever. But what hasn’t changed is his fight IQ, his ability to control the pace of a fight, and his wrestling. Against Ciryl Gane, Jon showed us just how much of an intelligent tactician he is.
It wasn’t just brute strength that earned Jon the win—it was his ability to exploit gaps in Gane’s game, especially in the grappling exchanges. Many were wondering how Jones would fare against a striker like Gane, a fighter known for his speed and precision. But as we all saw, Jon took that challenge and turned it into an opportunity to show why he’s still at the top.
Breaking Down the Fight: Gane’s “Void”
Now, let’s talk about the fight itself. When I say Gane’s “Void,” I’m referring to the opening Jon exploited in Gane’s defense and how Gane had no answer to Jon’s pressure. Here’s how the fight unfolded and why Gane couldn’t recover:
Striking Pressure: From the start, Jon was in Gane’s face, closing the distance, and forcing him to fight on his terms. The one thing Jon Jones is exceptional at is dictating the range and setting the pace of the fight. Gane, who thrives on being at range and picking opponents apart with his superior footwork, found himself being pressured into the cage. Jon wasn’t just using brute strength, he was cutting off angles, constantly making Gane uncomfortable and unable to set up his strikes
The Takedown: The moment Jon got his hands on Gane, it was game over. Gane was never able to defend the takedown properly. Once Jon clinched, he controlled the fight entirely. Gane’s ability to sprawl or work out of clinch positions was nonexistent. Jones didn’t need to use his strength to overpower him. Instead, Jon used technique to take Gane down, keep him grounded, and neutralize his striking. It was textbook wrestling. Jones didn’t overexert himself—he simply found the openings and capitalized.
Critical moment: After Gane overshot a punch and left himself exposed, Jon slipped in a perfect takedown. It wasn’t just a takedown—it was a clinically executed move that demonstrated his high-level grappling, and it set up everything from there. Once he had Gane on the ground, Jon quickly passed to dominant positions. This is where we saw Gane’s “void”—his lack of defensive grappling.
The Submission Threat: Jon transitioned seamlessly into a submission threat, working his way into Gane’s neck. At this point, Gane had nothing left. He was too compromised by the constant pressure and control Jon exerted on him. The submission wasn’t necessarily tight at first, but Jon’s methodical nature—his pressure, his positioning, and his ability to maintain control—gradually broke Gane down. The choke came in after Gane was completely out of answers.
Jon Jones’ Wrestling: Still a Level Above
What makes Jon Jones a threat at heavyweight is his wrestling. While many focus on his striking and his physical presence, his grappling is what continues to set him apart from others. Against Gane, we saw how effectively Jon could use his wrestling against a superior striker. Gane couldn’t create distance, he couldn’t get back up after being taken down, and when he tried to defend, Jon transitioned into superior positions effortlessly.
If you watched the fight closely, you saw that Jon didn’t just rely on his strength. He relied on his timing, his technique, and his intelligence—traits that have made him one of the most successful fighters in MMA history.
Is Jon Jones Still Legit at Heavyweight?
Absolutely. And if there were any doubts before, they should be gone now. Jon Jones hasn’t missed a beat, even after a long layoff, a jump to heavyweight, and all the changes that come with moving up a weight class. Against Gane, Jon proved that he doesn’t need to be the biggest or the strongest fighter in the division—he just needs to be Jon Jones.
His performance at heavyweight was a showcase of fight intelligence, timing, and control—three things that have made him a dominant force in MMA for over a decade. Sure, Gane might not have been prepared for Jon’s grappling, but that’s part of what makes Jon so dangerous: he can exploit weaknesses like few others.
What’s Next for Jon Jones?
Now that Jon has claimed the heavyweight title, the question is: who’s next? Jon has made it clear that he’s open to facing anyone in the heavyweight division, but with the way he dominated Gane, it’s hard to see who can stop him.
If Jon stays healthy, and if he continues to fight with the same intensity and strategy, he could reign at heavyweight for a long time. The challenge now will be whether any fighter can break through that “void” Jon creates in every fight. The competition is fierce, but Jon Jones remains the alpha of the division.
Conclusion: Jon Jones is STILL LEGIT
After his win over Ciryl Gane, there should be no more questions about whether Jon Jones is still legit. His grappling, fight IQ, and ability to control any aspect of the fight are as sharp as ever. Sure, the fight wasn’t long, but the way Jon handled Gane—a top-tier heavyweight contender—shows that Jon is still the best in the world. The “Void” Jon created for Gane was just too big to overcome.
So, is Jon Jones STILL legit? Absolutely. If you weren’t convinced before, you should be now. Jon Jones isn’t just a legend of the sport; he’s still actively defining what it means to be a mixed martial artist. The rest of the heavyweight division is on notice.
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