The Return of Jon Jones

Doesdistance make the heart grow fonder? It could be true for Jon Jones. At last, the UFC legend, considered to be one of the sport’s great of all time, will now make a return as part of a heavyweight championship main event in March, after a three-year break.

Suffering from a hamstring injury early in the competition and facing questions about the behaviour of his father, Srdjan Djokovic, who was photographed recently with Putin supporters, means that there have been some challenging hurdles to overcome. The toll that these distractions have taken on the player were made obvious by the relief and emotion that flooded from him upon winning the Australian Open. A tearful Djokovic named this win the “biggest victory” of his life (BBC Sport)

This year’s tournament was rife with controversy involving other players, too. Andy Murray’s angry protests at being forbidden to go to the bathroom made headlines midway through the Open, as the chairumpire refused to give permission for the Brit to take a break and relieve himself.

The grand slam winner, Djokovic, too was furious about “drunk” fans “provoking” (New York Post) him during his own match against Enzo Couacaud.

This year’s Australian Open was not without its drama and controversy, but it has been a brilliant sporting show, and Djokovic’s ultimate victory captured the imagination of viewers as the titan of the sport put on a performance to be remembered.

The American professional mixed martial artist has competed in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division and has made his mark forever. He is a former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion for over four years between 2011 to 2015, and again between 2018 to 2020. But his reign does not end there. He is the youngest UFC champion at age 23, holding a record number of UFC triumphs within his division including most wins, most title defences, as well as holding the longest win streak. However, between 2015 to 2017, Jones lost many of his titles due to disciplinary action. After experiencing a number of controversies, Jones then voluntarily vacated his titles in 2020. Three years later, the fighter is now making his highly anticipated return to the sport, but this time in the Heavyweight division. So, who will the former Light Heavyweight king come face to face with at his UFC 285 debut? This has been a highly pondered question.

When the heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, would not agree to a new longterm contract this January, meaning he would not be able to fight Jones, confusion seeped in about who the American would fight. Now, it has finalised that it will be none other than Ciryl Gane, the former French UFC Heavyweight Champion. A matchup in which many fans did not dream of, it will still be a clash of the icons within the UFC heaviest weight class. But many have hesitations for Jones’ return. Though arguably considered as one of the greatest of the UFC sport, many are concerned with whether he can handle such a match. Doubts have stemmed due his significant bulking, changing of his gym, and whether his techniques would match that of Gane’s skilful ones; all of which could affect his performance, and his chances to win.

Nonetheless, despite the concerns and fears, this match is one of major appeal within UFC, with both fighters being the sports best athletes; but more consciously the fight being one which Jones’ fans have long waited for. And if this match comes to favour Jones, it will truly seal his title as the definitive greatest of all time.