5 UFC heavyweights who can beat Jon Jones when he makes a return

#2. Ciryl Gane - UFC heavyweight interim champion

The newly crowned UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is the only fighter in the top 15 of the UFC's heavyweight division to still hold an undefeated record.

Not only is he still undefeated, but Gane appears to be getting better in every fight he competes in, despite the level of opponents also rising. The classic kryptonite of an MMA heavyweight is the lack of stamina and an inability to consistently perform at the same level for a full five rounds.

Against Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alexander Volkov, Gane looked as comfortable in round five as he did in round one. However, as was evident in his most recent bout against Derrick Lewis at UFC 265, 'Bon Gaming' has an eye for a finish. His high-level striking allows him to rely on technique to knock his opponents out rather than brute force.

Despite not having a wrestling or BJJ background, Gane also has a habit of taking the fight to the ground and locking up submissions. Admittedly such finishes have come against low-level opposition, but submissions are undoubtedly a weapon in the Frenchman's arsenal.

How to execute a perfect heel hook 😳Can 🇫🇷 @Ciryl_Gane lock in another slick sub tonight? #UFCVegas20 pic.twitter.com/PMPAWwQqHL

— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2021

Ganes' speed, athleticism and technique would no doubt push Jon Jones to the limit should they be matched up.

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#1. Francis Ngannou - UFC heavyweight champion

UFC 249 Ngannou v Rozenstruik

Current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is a nightmare matchup for anyone. 'The Predator' can knock anyone in the division out with just pure athletic ability alone.

However, we have recently seen him begin to bring technical advancements to his game. His measured approach against Stipe Miocic before knocking the former champion unconscious almost amplified just how terrifying an opponent he really is.

He also showed great takedown defense; his ground game let him down in his first fight with Miocic. He has also shown the beginnings of a kicking game, and it is hard to imagine Jones being a betting favorite in this fight.