UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira shared his opinion on the debut of the promotion's former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in the heavyweight division.
I think Jones really coming to dominate. It’s never easy, but I think this fight [with Gane] will be much harder than if he had fought Ngannou. Jon Jones is very experienced, has great defense, so I think Jon Jones would beat Ngannou [easier]. This next fight [with Gane] is a bit harder for him, but I also think he wins. It’s a bit more difficult because [Gane] is smart, and a bit more scared in a good way, not to come trading with Jon Jones, which makes him a more difficult fight.
Alex Pereira for MMA Fighting
Jones and Gane will fight for the vacant heavyweight title on March 5 in the main event of UFC 285 in Las Vegas, USA.
Jones, 35, last fought against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020. This confrontation lasted the whole distance and ended in favor of Jones by unanimous decision of the judges. He had 26 wins, one loss and one fight declared a failure.
Gane, 32, fought against Tai Tuivasa at UFC Fight Night 209 in September, 2022. That fight ended with Ciryl winning by knockout in the third round. Gane has 11 wins and one loss under his belt.