Jon Jones Celebrates Ciryl Gane's Victory, Reaffirming GOAT Status Amidst Heavyweight Drama

Alex Pereira's hopes of solidifying his place as the greatest UFC fighter of all time were dashed when he faced Ciryl Gane at the UFC White House event. A win would have granted Pereira a third championship across different weight classes, but Gane showcased his superior skills, defeating Pereira decisively in the second round to reclaim the interim heavyweight title.

Jon Jones, a former champion in two weight classes, was quick to respond to the fight outcome. Having previously defeated Gane at UFC 285 earlier this year, Jones congratulated Gane on social media, stating, “Congratulations to the new heavyweight champion Gane. You looked great out there tonight.” He also made a point to highlight his own GOAT status by sharing a photo of himself wearing a GOAT necklace.

At 38 years old, Jones had opted to retire instead of defending his heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall, yet he expressed a desire to return after the UFC White House card announcement. Meanwhile, Gane, who is 36, is anticipated to face Aspinall in a rematch later this year after their previous encounter ended in a "No Contest" due to an eye poke at UFC 321.

Francis Ngannou, another former heavyweight champion and a fighter who has also defeated Gane, expressed his admiration for Gane's performance. He congratulated Gane, signing off with “LHC,” which stands for Lineal Heavyweight Champion. Ngannou, 39, has been navigating his own career challenges after leaving the UFC earlier this year due to contract issues, missing opportunities for fights against both Aspinall and Jones, and is currently a free agent following his release from PFL.

This latest development in the heavyweight division adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of dominance and legacy within the UFC.