Jon Jones Explains Critics' Major Misjudgment of Cyril Gane's Fight Against Alex Poatan

Gane knocked out Poatan at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Jon Jones may be retired from fighting, but as a fight fan, he remains attentive to what's happening in MMA, especially in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). And one of the most anticipated fights in the category took place at UFC Casa Branca . At the grand and highly publicized event held in June in Washington (USA), Alex Poatan debuted in the division with a crushing defeat to Ciryl Gane in the second round. For many, the result was surprising, but not in the eyes of the sports star.

In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Red Corner MMA', Jones explained what he considered a major and serious mistake by fans and professionals of the sport regarding the important fight between the strikers. Despite being a newcomer to the division, many considered Poatan the favorite because of his striking skills, his power, and because he was heavier than the Frenchman.

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Furthermore, Gane was viewed with suspicion by many because he hadn't beaten the top names in the division in title fights. 'Bon Gamin' was surprised by Francis Ngannou 's wrestling and suffered a comeback, being submitted by Jon Jones in just over two minutes, and despite his good start, the fight against Tom Aspinall ended in a no contest due to the eye poke he inflicted.

Therefore, some MMA fans and professionals imagined that the popular Poatan would repeat Jones' feat, that is, defeat Gane quickly, but by knockout. Precisely for this reason, the renowned fighter has no doubt that the Frenchman was underestimated, when he shouldn't have been, because he is an elite athlete who, not surprisingly, has been at the top of the category for years.

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“I was really impressed with Gane. I don’t want to sound arrogant, and I know this will probably sound arrogant, but I think you shouldn’t be discouraged by losing to me. I have a very special gift when it comes to fighting,” said the MMA legend.

“But losing to me doesn’t mean you’re going to keep losing or that you’re a bad fighter. I made the fight against Gane look pretty easy, but otherwise, he’s one of the most special heavyweights in recent history. So, I’m really very happy for Gane,” he concluded.

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Jon Jones at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones

Watch Ciryl Gane's knockout of Alex Poatan at UFC White House.

HE JUST DID THAT 😮‍💨 @Ciryl_Gane creates an unforgettable moment as he earns the RD2 TKO victory! #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

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— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026