The UFC started the year off with a bang. At UFC 283, we saw one of the most action-packed cards in a while. However, with UFC 285, it appears that the promotion is taking things up a notch. With Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane set to headline the event let’s check what else is in store for us.
Taking place on March 4, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, we will be seeing two title fights. Firstly, we have Jon Jones’ return and debut at heavyweight against Ciryl Gane for the title. Then, in the co-main event, we will be seeing Valentina Shevchenko take on the #4 ranked UFC women’s flyweight contender Alexa Grasso.
It doesn't get bigger than this – UFC President @DanaWhite confirms that @JonnyBones will take on @Ciryl_Gane for the 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐃 heavyweight championship at #UFC285 🏆
[ March 4 | @TMobileArena | Tix On Sale Jan 20 at https://t.co/LJfHcNZo6J ] pic.twitter.com/oUpfPUMYXp
— UFC (@ufc) January 15, 2023
With the fight card yet to be fully confirmed, let’s take a look at how the rest of the card is shaping up. Besides the two title fights, we have a whole host of bangers in the main as well as the preliminary card. For the main card, we have Geoff Neal taking on Shavkat Rakhmonov, Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis, and Bo Nickal making his return against Jamie Pickett.
Also on the card will be Cody Garbrandt coming back up to bantamweight to take on Julio Arce. Another notable fight on the card will be Dan Hooker making his return against Jalin Turner. Previously, there were also rumors of Amanda Nunes taking on Irene Aldana, but there are reports that it will be pushed to a later date.
UFC 285: Jones vs Gane Full Fight Card
Keeping in mind all the confirmations and rumors, here is a look at what the final UFC 285 card could look like.
The Bullet is back in action 👑@BulletValentina will put her flyweight title on the line against @AlexaGrasso at #UFC285!
[ Get your tickets 𝐍𝐎𝐖: https://t.co/3hqQH5gYvM 🎟 ] pic.twitter.com/6NCPc55owW
— UFC (@ufc) January 27, 2023
Main Card
Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane – Heavyweight title fight
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso – Women’s flyweight title fight
Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Bo Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett
Derek Brunson vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Preliminary Card
Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner
Cody Garbrandt vs. Julio Arce
Viviane Araujo vs. Amanda Ribas
Julian Marquez vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
Early Prelims
Jessica Penne vs. Tabatha Ricci
Da’mon Blackshear vs. Farid Basharat
Kamuela Kirk vs. Esteban Ribovics
As such, you can check back with us for any updates on the card in the lead-up to the event.
Can Jon Jones beat Ciryl Gane at UFC 285?
With Francis Ngannou choosing to pursue his boxing dreams, Jones and Gane have been given the nod for his vacant heavyweight title. Coming into the fight, many believe that Jones is the favorite to win the fight. Despite an extended time away, many believe that Jon’s fight IQ, wrestling, and striking remain unparalleled.
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Now 35, and out of action since 2020, Jones has been preparing for his move up to heavyweight for a long time. Thus, expect him to take to the new division like a duck to water. On the other hand, Ciryl Gane has been at the top of the heavyweight division for some time. Even though he lost to Ngannou, his performances have been dominant throughout. Whatever the result, fans expect a great fight when the two giants take to the Octagon.
Do you believe Jon Jones can win this fight? Which fight are you most excited about at UFC 285? What is your take on the card overall? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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