Jon Jones timeline to UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285 from Francis Ngannou to Ciryl Gane

At UFC 285, a new heavyweight champion will be crowned. In one of the more unique matchups ever made, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones faces former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. 

The fight, featuring the return of Jones after a three-year absence, takes place inside the T-Mobile Arena on March 4. 

There is a palpable buzz in the air with the MMA community eagerly awaiting Jones’ return to action. Beyond simply the comeback, fans have long clamored for Jones to fight for the heavyweight title. They’ll finally get their wish even if its not against the fighter they’ve long circled.

While Ciryl Gane may not have been the first choice atop every fantasy fight’s wish list, he still represents a formidable opponent for the former champion.

Not lost in the build-up is the fact that the road to this moment was bumpy to say the least. 

In a non-traditional route, the UFC may be gambling on one of its biggest stars of the last few years. Jones believes he is more than up to the challenge. 

MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 285 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+

With a 30 for 30-like story involving multiple parties, fans may need a breakdown of the timeline of events that led us to this UFC 285 main event. The Sporting News looks into the heavyweight title picture, dating back to when a local firefighter held the belt.  

How did we get to Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane? 

Let’s stick with Jones’ story for now. Following a fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020, Jones and heavyweight Francis Ngannou discussed a potential superfight. Speaking with UFC President Dana White, Jones was unhappy with how negotiations went, especially regarding the salary both would receive. 

The 35-year-old relinquished the UFC light heavyweight title in hopes the UFC would provide him with what he believes his value is. Not long after vacating, Jones decided to focus his attention on the heavyweight division.

Meanwhile, the UFC heavyweight title has had quite a run. 

MORE: Remembering the last time Jon Jones entered the octagon

Stipe Miocic, who is a firefighter when he’s not competing in the octagon, lost the belt against Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 in 2018. He regained it in 2019 and beat Cormier in a trilogy bout in 2020. There were rumors of a Miocic-Jones matchup, but that never came to fruition, even all these years later. 

In 2021, Ngannou beat Miocic for the belt. Injuring ligaments in his knee before his next fight, Ngannou surprised many by taking down interim champion Gane with wrestling. Ngannou had knee surgery after the bout. 

During his recovery time, there were still attempts to book Ngannou vs. Jones. Ngannou tried negotiating with White, discussing the following demands in order to sign his new contract: 

• A three-fight deal
• Right to sponsorship
• Health insurance
• A fighter advocate to represent fighters in meetings

Those demands not met, Ngannou was released from his contract, making him a free agent and an ex-champion. After three years away from the sport, Jones became the next contender not long after Ngannou’s release, with Gane as the other challenger for heavyweight gold. With the fight came the salary increase Jones asked for. 

MORE: Sporting News exclusive: Jon Jones talks UFC 285 return and more

Now the world waits to see what the future holds for the prestigious UFC heavyweight title. 

UFC Heavyweight Title History

*No interim champions are listed