LAS VEGAS – The main event of UFC 285 between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane has some torn in their predictions, but a panel featuring Hall of Famers, former champions, and a current contender seem to be on the same page.
Former light heavyweight king Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) will be making his heavyweight debut against former interim champ Gane (11-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) at the T-Mobile Arena, with the winner claiming the vacant heavyweight title.
Before the UFC 285 ceremonial weigh-ins, a heavyweight panel participated in a fan Q&A. On stage alongside UFC commentator Jon Anik were Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Mark Coleman, along with former champs Stipe Miocic and Frank Mir. Curtis Blaydes, the No. 6 heavyweight contender in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie heavyweight rankings was also on stage.
Each member of the panel gave their take on how the heavyweight title fight between Jones and Gane will play out. Check out their predictions below.
Daniel Cormier
“Let me tell you something, man, it is so good to be able to say that – that I work and call the fight, so I can’t pick, so nobody ever gets mad at me anymore. I keep the fighters off my back, so I will let these guys answer who they think is going to win.”
Mark Coleman
“I’m going to go with the big wrestler, Jon Jones. Hopefully, he sticks to the plan, takes this guy down, and ground and pounds him. That’s my call.”
Curtis Blaydes
“I agree. I think Jon’s the better grappler. I think if he sticks to the gameplan, I think if he uses his wrestling, I think he wins this easily. But if he wants to go out there and strike with Gane, that gives him an opportunity to get knocked out. So, just depends on which gameplan he wants to use. If he’s smart, he’ll use the wrestling.”
Frank Mir
“I think I’m with everybody else, I’m voting on Jon. I think it’s a hard fight for Ciryl to win. If Ciryl was a little taller, I think his speed could cause an issue, but I think that Jon’s reach will nullify his speed that he has and footwork. And Jon can kick very well, people forget about that. But striking-wise, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy night for Ciryl as other people might think. I think on his feet, he’s going to have an issue with distance with Jon. He’s going to get the sh*t jabbed out of him, kicked in the head, and then if he tries to close distance, no one knows what it’s like to get grabbed by Jon – Jon has an extremely strong, great clinch. I think he throws him on his back and outworks him. (Francis) Ngannou outwrestled him. What’s Jon going to do to him?”
Stipe Miocic
“I don’t care who wins, I want winner.”
