MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has questioned Jon Jones’ fitness and the shape he is in ahead of the 35-year-old’s return against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 this Saturday.
Ariel Helwani voices ‘serious questions’ on Jon Jones ahead of UFC 285 title fight
Helwani, who hosts The MMA Hour and is one of the most famous names in the sport’s media, has voiced concerns over Jones’ commitment to Saturday’s title fight in Nevada.
“Later in life, the partying and all that actually supersedes the talent. So, in my opinion the big question going into this is, what has he been doing the last three years? What kind of shape is he in?
“We don’t know the answer to that. He doesn’t let us in like that. If he comes out and looks fantastic, god bless, he did see the light and has changed his life.
“But for me, I have serious questions about the shape this man is in and what he’s been doing over the past three years to bring us to this point because if he hasn’t taken this seriously, it is going to be a long night, maybe a short night for him and Ciryl Gane.”
Jon Jones meets Ciryl Gane eye-to-eye for his first heavyweight faceoff 👀 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/rExsPhh7e6
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 3, 2023
At age 23, Jon Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history and holds a number of records in the light heavyweight division such as most title defenses, most wins and longest win streak.
Considered one of the greatest fighters ever, Jones has never been stopped or outscored in his career and his only professional loss is a controversial disqualification.
Jones’ career took a turn for the worse in 2015, losing his title and being removed from the official rankings by the UFC after being arrested on hit-and-run charges.
He returned in 2016 and 2017 with victories against Ovince Saint Preux and Daniel Cormier which were later voided after Jones tested positive for banned substances, receiving further suspensions.
In 2018, Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson and reclaimed the championship before vacating the title two years later and declaring his intention to move up to heavyweight.
This Saturday, the 35-year-old will lock horns with Frenchman Ciryl Gane who is looking to avenge last year’s disappointment against former training partner Francis Ngannou.
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