Jon Jones Disputes Notion That Ciryl Gane is ‘Most Technical Kickboxer’ He’s Fought

While Ciryl Gane has been lauded for his heavyweight striking skills, Jon Jones believes he’s seen better.

Jones took to Twitter to discuss Gane’s striking acumen ahead of their fight for the vacant heavyweight title in Saturday’s UFC 285 main event. “Bones” pointed to Thiago Santos, who he defeated via split decision at UFC 239, as a superior kickboxer to the Frenchman.

“Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider Gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.

“Gane’s last three opponents had terrible defense. Those guys couldn’t stop a kick if their life depended on it. He’s fought flat footed boxers his last three fights.”

Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced. Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023

ganes last three opponents had terrible defense. Those guys couldn’t stop a kick if their life depended on it. He’s fought flat footed boxers his last three fights

— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023

In those aforementioned three appearances, Gane earned KO/TKO victories against Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa while dropping a decision loss to then champion Francis Ngannou.

“Best wrestler he ever fought was Francis, that’s wild,” Jones wrote. “No offense to my boy [Derrick Lewis]. I love Derrick.”

Best wrestler he ever fought was Francis, that’s wild

— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023

No offense to my boy Derek Lewis, I love Derek.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023

Overall, Gane is 11-1 since making his professional debut in 2018. His UFC resume includes other notable victories against the likes of Alexander Volkov, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Junior dos Santos. Jones, who is returning after a three-year hiatus, is the most accomplished opponent Gane will have faced to date.

UFC 285 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.