UFC 285: Jon Jones talks legacy and physique ahead of heavyweight title shot
- Doug Mattushek
- 2 March 2023
UFC legend Jon Jones is fully aware that a win over Cyril Gane on Saturday would well and truly cement his name as one of the all-time greats of MMA.
A dubious disqualification loss is the only blemish on Jones' superlative MMA record (26-1), which boasts 11 successful title defences at light heavyweight.
Now, the 35-year-old is seeking even greater heights in the heavyweight division, where he faces a difficult challenge in Gane, who moves like a fighter in a lower weight class.
Speaking to the press ahead of UFC 284, the indomitable Jones was oozing confidence.
"I have a lion in me... I have a vicious warrior inside of me, it's who I am," said the Albuquerque native.
"Losing's not an option because it's not just a sporting event to me. This is my life. This is my image. This is my legacy. This is me. My reasons why are really big. I don't know if his energy matches mine when it comes to the seriousness of how I take this fight and game."
Pre-fight photographs doing the rounds revealed that Jones cuts a much more hefty figure at heavyweight, with his washboard abs hidden behind the power he needs to hang with the likes of Gane, who will likely enter the octagon as the heavier of the two.
Nonetheless, Jones isn't concerned about looks...
"I feel awesome, I feel like I move really well," said Jones.
"I have great pride in my endurance. I feel great. I feel like a stronger version of myself. I'm not super lean, I don't have a mean six-pack like I used to. That took me a while to get used to back in the day. I would judge my fitness level by how I look in the mirror. I'm a heavyweight now. It's not about what you look like. It's about how you perform."
Meanwhile, underdog Gane is under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead at the T-Mobile Arean in Las Vegas. When asked by the press about what a victory over Jones would mean, he said Jones' GOAT status would only amplify the result.
"It's going to mean a lot for me because he is the GOAT," said the Frenchman.
"Everyone knows that, because of his career. If we win, it's going to be something big for my career and something big for my life, for sure."
