LAS VEGAS — Jon Jones has spent the past three years at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, focusing on being with family, hunting and getting ready for his big comeback.
He hired a team to help him get ready for Saturday night when he will take a step up to the heavyweight division and attempt to end any doubt – if any remains – that he is the greatest fighter in UFC history.
He made that case as a light heavyweight by winning a record 14 title fights and is on a UFC-best 18-match unbeaten streak, giving him a 26-1 record with one no-contest. Next up is France’s Ciryl Gane, who at 11-1 is the top-ranked heavyweight.
A victory also could put Jones, 35, back in the conversation for top pound-for-pound fighter, a spot currently held by featherweight Alexander Volkanovski.
“I’m fighting to be the greatest fighter ever, not to be the best pound-for-pound right now,” Jones said.
His fight against Gane for the vacant heavyweight title is the headline event of UFC 285. In the top undercard match, women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (23-3) looks to make her eighth consecutive successful title defense when she faces sixth-ranked Alexa Grasso (15-3) of Mexico.
Just about all eyes will be on Jones, who not only must prove that he can be just as successful is the heavyweight division as he was one level down, but also that the long layoff won’t negatively affect him.
Jones said he hasn’t been idle even if he hasn’t fought in the UFC since defeating Dominick Reyes by unanimous decision on Feb. 8, 2020. He said he has become stronger than ever, even if his body isn’t as toned. But Jones said that’s because of the added weight to fight in the highest class.
Middleweight Dricus Du Plessis, who will face Derek Brunson in a preliminary bout, said he believes Jones will win and that he has the mental and physical ability to overcome such a long time away from competition.
But Du Plessis also offered a word of caution.
“Three years is a…
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