Jon Jones wasted little time reminding fans why he believes he remains the greatest fighter in UFC history.
The former two-division UFC champion reacted shortly after Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250’s co-main event on June 14. Gane stopped Pereira in the second round to reclaim the interim heavyweight championship, ending hopes that “Poatan” could make history by capturing a title in a third UFC weight class.
Following the fight, Jones took to social media to congratulate Gane while subtly making his case in the ongoing GOAT debate.
Jon Jones Congratulates Ciryl Gane
Jones shared a message praising Gane’s performance and included a goat emoji alongside his remarks.
“Congratulations to the new heavyweight champion Gane,” Jones wrote. “You looked great out there tonight.”
The message quickly attracted attention because Jones defeated Gane in dominant fashion at UFC 285 in March 2023. That victory helped Jones capture the heavyweight title and remains one of the defining wins of his career.
As a result, some fans interpreted the post as a reminder that Jones had already beaten the man who just stopped Pereira.
Alex Pereira’s Historic Bid Falls Short
Pereira entered UFC Freedom 250 with an opportunity to achieve something unprecedented. A victory over Gane would have given him championships in three different UFC weight classes.
Instead, Gane controlled the fight and finished Pereira in the second round. The result restored Gane’s position near the top of the heavyweight division and significantly altered the title picture.
Moreover, the defeat halted one of the most ambitious championship pursuits in recent UFC history.
Francis Ngannou Also Weighs In
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also reacted after the bout.
“Congratulations Bon Gamin for the wonderful performance,” Ngannou wrote. “Sincerely, LHC.”
The initials stand for “Lineal Heavyweight Champion,” a title Ngannou has continued to claim since leaving the UFC following a contract dispute in 2023.
Ngannou, who also owns a victory over Gane, was released by the PFL earlier this year and is currently a free agent. Consequently, his comments added another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding the heavyweight division’s biggest names.
What’s Next for Ciryl Gane?
Gane is expected to face Tom Aspinall later this year in a highly anticipated rematch.
The two previously met at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. However, that fight ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke brought the contest to an abrupt conclusion.
Now, with the interim heavyweight title back around his waist, Gane appears poised for another championship opportunity.
Meanwhile, Jones remains retired, at least officially. Nevertheless, his latest comments ensured his name remained part of the conversation following one of the biggest fights of the year.
Whether fans agree with his GOAT claim or not, Jones made sure everyone was talking about him once again.
Source: Yahoo Sport
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