Expert UFC heavyweight panel breaks down and predicts Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane at UFC 285

The highly anticipated UFC 285 main event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane has drawn the attention of heavyweight experts and legends of the sport, with all sharing their predictions for the outcome of the fight. With the vacant heavyweight title on the line, both fighters are expected to put on a thrilling show at the T-Mobile Arena.

Prior to the ceremonial weigh-ins of UFC 285, a heavyweight panel consisting of former champions and Hall of Famers participated in a session, offering their insights on the fight.

When asked about the matchup, Mark Coleman and Curtis Blaydes both agreed that Jones' grappling skills will give him the upper hand in the fight.

Coleman stated that he was backing "the big wrestler" Jon Jones and hoped that he would stick to his game plan and utilize his wrestling skills to take down Gane and ground and pound him.

“I’m going to go with the big wrestler, Jon Jones. Hopefully, he sticks to the plan, takes this guy down, and ground and pounds him. That’s my call.”

Blaydes echoed Coleman's sentiment, emphasizing that if Jones sticks to his game plan and uses his wrestling, he should win the fight easily. However, if he chooses to strike with Gane, he leaves himself open to getting knocked out.

Frank Mir also sided with Jones, citing his reach and strong clinch as factors that could give him an advantage over Gane. While Gane's speed could be an issue if he was taller, Mir believes that Jones' reach would nullify any speed advantage Gane might have.

Daniel Cormier, who works as a UFC commentator, declined to make any predictions and deferred to his fellow panelists, stating that as a commentator, he couldn't pick a winner to avoid getting on any fighter's bad side.

“Let me tell you something, man, it is so good to be able to say that – that I work and call the fight, so I can’t pick, so nobody ever gets mad at me anymore. I keep the fighters off my back, so I will let these guys answer who they think is going to win.”

The panel was unanimous in their belief that Jones was the favorite to win the fight, but Gane was not to be underestimated. Fans will eagerly anticipate this matchup, and only time will tell who will come out on top to claim the vacant heavyweight title at the PPV event.

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Check out the main card matchups for the upcoming UFC 285 event

UFC 285 is set to take place on March 4, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event's headline match will feature two UFC legends, Jon Jones and Cyril Gane, battling it out for the heavyweight championship title, which is currently vacant.

The co-main event will be a women's flyweight title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso.

Check out the entire fight card for UFC 285 below: