Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane: John McCarthy predicts a lopsided systematic beatdown

Jon Jones' much awaited return to the octagon was finally announced by the UFC this weekend. The former UFC light heavyweight champ is slated to make his heavyweight debut in a title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March.

While Gane has opened up as the betting favorite, former UFC referee John McCarthy has predicted Jones will systematically beat down 'Bon Gamin'. McCarthy acknowledged that Gane is probably the best answer to Jones in terms of size and reach.

However, the Bellator announcer believes that Gane, having been outwrestled by Francis Ngannou, will likely be dominated by Jones, who is considered to be one of the best wrestlers in UFC history. McCarthy also noted that 'Bones' is currently training with Henry Cejudo, who is an Olympic gold medallist in wrestling. The 60-year-old said on the Weighing In podcast:

"The big problem is, Ciryl Gane was outwrestled by Francis Ngannou. And Jon Jones is not a dumb man, Jones is a smart fighter. Jones is training with another guy that I consider an very smart fighter and a good coach in Henry Cejudo, and a guy that knows a 'little bit' [sarcastically] about wrestling. Look, Jones is gonna take Ciryl Gane off of his feet and systematically beat him down."

Catch John McCarthy's comments below:

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Jon Jones' former opponent counters the theory of 'Bones' outwrestling Ciryl Gane

Jon Jones' rivalry with Daniel Cormier is considered to be one of the most iconic ones in UFC history. 'DC', a former Olympic wrestler, isn't sold on the idea of Jones dominantly outwrestling Ciryl Gane.

Cormier noted that 'Bon Gamin' has most likely taken significant steps to improve his grappling since his loss to Francis Ngannou a year ago. The former UFC double champ believes 'Bones' might be forced to strike with Gane, who has already proved himself to be a 'dog' in that aspect during his clash against Tai Tuivasa.

'DC' said on his YouTube channel:

"What happens if Jones can't take Ciryl Gane down? What happens if Jones is forced to stand with this guy? What we saw in the Gane fight against Tai Tuivasa is even though he can be hurt, even though his most fights look pretty, Ciryl Gane is a dog. And when he needed to be against Tai, he just fought Tai, not only did he just fight Tai, he finished Tai Tuivasa. Get tough-skinned Jon Jones."

Catch Daniel Cormier's comments below: