Array
Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones scored a stunning first-round victory over France’s Ciryl Gane to claim the vacant UFC heavyweight crown on Saturday.
Former light heavyweight champion Jones, making his return to the Octagon after more than a three-year absence, forced Gane into a submission after just 2min 4sec of the opening round to seal the win.
The 35-year-old American, who is widely considered to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, used all his skill and experience to outfox his 32-year-old French opponent.
Jones had talked boldly before the fight of scoring a quick victory against Gane, who hinted at nervousness in the opening seconds by aiming a kick at the American’s groin which required an official timeout.
Jones proved to be as good as his word, easily ducking under a wild left hand from Gane and wrestling the off-balance Frenchman to the floor with ease.
He quickly had Gane in trouble and the Parisian submitted after being trapped in a guillotine chokehold by Jones.
“I’ve been working for this for a long time,” a delighted Jones said after his victory.
“You know a lot of people thought I was never coming back.
