Ciryl Gane Reveals How Jon Jones Defeat Changed His Mindset as a UFC Fighter
· Yahoo Sports
Ciryl Gane is preparing for his first heavyweight title defense against Josh Hokit in the main event of UFC 334. The Frenchman was recently elevated to undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the title due to further complications with his eye injury.
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However, much of the attention surrounding the Madison Square Garden headliner has focused on Gane’s legitimacy as champion and the growing criticism of his illegal tactics inside the Octagon. While the Frenchman has pushed back against accusations of being a dirty fighter, he recently made another revealing admission ahead of his showdown.
Gane opened up about his defeat to Jon Jones at UFC 285, describing the experience as a major turning point in his career. The reigning champion also reflected on how the loss affected his confidence and changed his mindset as a fighter.
Ciryl Gane Explains How His UFC 285 Loss to Jon Jones Fueled His Comeback
At UFC 285 in March 2023, Jones made his long-awaited heavyweight debut after nearly four years away from competition. He challenged Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship, with the Frenchman entering the contest fresh off a knockout victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris.
Many expected Gane to provide Jones with a difficult test, considering the latter was moving up a division and returning after an extended layoff. However, the fight unfolded very differently.
Despite taking an early groin strike, Jones quickly took control of the contest, secured a takedown and locked in a guillotine choke. Gane was forced to tap in less than three minutes, handing Jones his second UFC championship. Speaking in a recent interview with UFC on Paramount+, Gane reflected on the defeat and said, “I think it was after the Jon Jones loss because it was a real loss.”
Although Gane had already suffered his first professional MMA defeat against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270, that fight went the distance, with the Cameroonian winning by unanimous decision.
The loss to Jones, however, was a much more decisive setback. Gane explained, “The fight against Francis Ngannou was a little bit square, but after Jon Jones, something changed in my mindset because also the pressure of social media from everywhere.”
The 36-year-old further opened up about the criticism he received and the doubts he had about continuing his career.
He added, “Like, ‘Ciryl Gane, we overestimated him,’ blah, blah, blah. I was disappointed. It was 2023, and I started MMA in 2019, so I already did pretty much in four years. One side of my head was about to give my back to everyone, but because I’m a competitor and because I want to prove to myself, I’m going to stay. I’m going to prove to myself.'”
Since that setback, Gane has remained unbeaten, defeating Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 before earning another heavyweight title opportunity against Aspinall at UFC 321. However, his victory over Volkov was heavily disputed, with many fans believing the Russian had done enough to win.
His subsequent title clash with Aspinall also ended in controversy after the eye-poke incident left the British champion unable to continue. Even Gane’s most recent victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 attracted criticism following repeated illegal strikes to the back of the Brazilian’s head.
Now, Gane will look to put those controversies behind him and secure a convincing title defense against Hokit at UFC 334.
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