UFC 285: Jon Jones Returns With the Title, Valentina Shevchenko Losses

Jon Jones made his return to the octagon with a dominant win over Ciryl Gane at the main event of the UFC 286 this Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Meanwhile, Alexa Grasso made a huge upset, defeating one of the best female UFC fighters ever, Valentina Shevchenko.

Jones’ comeback was anxiously expected, with the fans having mixed opinions about the success of the former UFC light heavyweight superstar. After a three-year absence, he decided to move up to the heavyweights and immediately got the opportunity to fight for the title.

“Bones” needed only two minutes and four seconds to reach the belt. He submitted Gane via guillotine choke, cementing his place on the MMA throne.

“I’ve been working for this for a long time,” Jones said after the battle. “A lot of people thought I wasn’t coming back. I’ve been faithful to my goal. I’ve been faithful to the mission.”

WHAT A RETURN FOR JON JONES 👏 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/sIxtGg6j0g

— ESPN (@espn) March 5, 2023

Jones was half a pound heavier than his rival, which was what everyone noticed in the first place. His cardio with the new weight was never tested , but only due to his dominant performance.

Gane tried to hurt Jones with a hard hook, yet the American avoided it and immediately went for a takedown. He managed to keep the Frenchman on the ground and to use his weight to restrain him. In no time, Jones’ left arm went beneath Gane’s neck, and the former interim champion had no other option but to tap.

Jones spoke of the fact that even though many consider him a predominant striker, he is, in fact, a much better wrestler than many think.

During the interview, Jones called out Stipe Miocic, stating that they two must meet and decide who is the best in the division. Miocic was in the audience and didn’t look too impressed with the call-out and Jones’ win.

With this victory, Jones set the UFC record for wins in the title fights, 15, and has the longest winning streak in the organization with 19. His first title came 12 years ago, when he had 23 years.

The upset of the night was seen in the co-main event, with Alexa Grasso defeating Valentina Shevchenko. In the flyweight title-bout, the Mexican managed to dethrone the seven-time defending champ from Kyrgistan, submitting her at 4:34 of the fourth round.

“Please pinch me, because I feel like I’m dreaming,” Grasso stated after the fight.

She was behind on the scorecards, with Shevchenko winning two rounds. Still, it needs to be stated that she imposed her own tempo on certain occasions, presenting fantastic boxing skills, often outpunching the champion.

ALEXA GRASSO HAS SUBMITTED VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO!!

WE HAVE A NEW FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION 👑🇲🇽 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/t4HMH5vXnw

— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023

Following Shevchenko’s missed spinning kick, Grasso took her down to the mat, took her back, and started working her way to reach the choke. After Brandon Moreno and Yair Rodriguez, Grasso became the third Mexican champion this year.

Shevchenko was disappointed, and she declared her readiness for an immediate rematch, which will probably happen in the near future.

In other fights, Shavkat Rakhmonov beat Geoff Neal via a standing rear-naked choke at 4:17 of the third round. Mateusz Gamrot continued his excellent streak, though not so confidently, as he posted a win over Jalin Turner, only after a split decision.

Bo Nickal’s arm triangle earned him a victory over Jamie Pickett, and Cody Garbrandt added a triumph to his tally, a unanimous decision in his favor vs. Trevin Jones. We only need to mention that Dricus Du Plessis TKOd Derek Brunson, with the American’s corner, stopping the fight.