UFC legend Jon Jones just threw a huge wrench into the heavyweight title picture, openly picking Ciryl Gane to come out on top in his highly anticipated rematch against Tom Aspinall. This isn't just a casual prediction, either, "Bones" is dead set on Gane's surging confidence being the ultimate difference maker when these two clash again.
The Rematch We've Been Waiting For, And How We Got Here
The first time Gane (14-2) and Aspinall (15-3) stepped into the Octagon, it was for the heavyweight title at UFC 321 last October. That fight ended in a crazy, unfortunate no-contest after Gane delivered a double eye poke in the very first round, leaving Aspinall unable to continue. Talk about a brutal way for a fight to end! Aspinall had to go through eye surgery after that, which definitely changes the dynamic here. Meanwhile, Gane didn't just sit around, he went out and defeated Alex Pereira to snatch the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250. Now, he's expected to challenge Aspinall in a full-on title unification bout, and that's exactly what Jones is focused on.Jones's Read: Confidence Is King
According to Jones, Gane's confidence is absolutely through the roof after beating Pereira. Jones didn't pull any punches, noting that Aspinall looked completely invincible until he ran into Gane at UFC 321. Think about it, many, including UFC CEO Dana White, felt like Gane was actually winning that initial fight for as long as it lasted before the eye poke derailed everything. Jones told Ring Magazine, "I believe Gane’s going to win. When you become the champion and you beat a man like Alex Pereira, it has to do something for your confidence. Even in Gane’s first fight with Tom Aspinall, Tom was looking pretty invincible until Ciryl Gane. And most people feel like Gane was winning that fight. I feel like Gane’s confidence has to be at an all-time high.” This isn't just an outside observer's take either. Jones returned to the Octagon himself in 2023 after a three-year hiatus and quickly dispatched Gane with a first-round guillotine choke for the vacant heavyweight title. Plus, "Bones" has had a contentious relationship with Aspinall, with plenty of back and forth between them before Jones ultimately vacated the belt himself. So, when Jones speaks, he's got history with both guys and a deep understanding of the game. This title unification bout is going to be massive. With Jones's strong take on Gane's confidence and the baggage from their first fight, you know Aspinall is going to have something to prove. Get ready, because this rematch is going to be epic.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.