Jon Jones picks Ciryl Gane over Tom Aspinall in rematch

Jon Jones expects Ciryl Gane to defeat Tom Aspinall when the pair meet again for the UFC heavyweight title, according to Sherdog.

The former champion told Ring Magazine that Gane's confidence should be at an all-time high after stopping Alex Pereira to claim the interim belt at UFC Freedom 250. Jones pointed to their first meeting at UFC 321 last October, which ended in a no-contest after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes during the first round. Many observers, including UFC CEO Dana White, felt the Frenchman was ahead before the stoppage.

Gane's Pereira win shifts momentum ahead of title unification

"I believe Gane's going to win," Jones said. "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."

Aspinall underwent eye surgery after the October incident and retained his heavyweight title despite the no-contest. Gane then captured the interim strap with his victory over Pereira, setting up the unification bout.

Jones submitted Gane in the first round at UFC 285 in 2023 to claim the vacant heavyweight title. He later vacated the belt amid a prolonged public dispute with Aspinall over a potential matchup. The rematch between Gane and Aspinall is expected to headline a pay-per-view later this year.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jon Jones picks Ciryl Gane to beat Tom Aspinall in heavyweight rematch