Ryan Bader: Jon Jones takes care of business pretty easily against Ciryl Gane
Back in 2011 at a very young time in their respective careers, Jon Jones and Ryan Bader faced off in a light heavyweight fight in the UFC, which saw Jones win by second-round submission. It was the first loss of Bader’s career and while he would go on a great run with the UFC following the loss, and although he never capture UFC gold, he would sign with Bellator MMA in 2017 where things drastically changed for the better.
To begin his tenure with Bellator MMA, Ryan Bader would go on a five-fight winning streak including becoming light heavyweight champion against Linton Vassell, winning the Heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament, and winning the heavyweight title over Fedor Emelianenko. After finding success in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, Bader would shift his sole focus to heavyweight where he has successfully defended his title three consecutive times, including most recently over Emelianenko once again in their rematch at Bellator 290 this past weekend.
Following yet another successful title defense, Ryan Bader was asked about his former opponent, Jon Jones, and his move up to the heavyweight division. Jones is currently scheduled to face former interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for the vacant heavyweight title on March 4. When asked in his post-fight press conference how he thinks Jones will transition to heavyweight, Bader was very complimentary, believing the move for Jones will be an easy one.
Ryan Bader believes former foe Jon Jones "takes care of business pretty easily" against Ciryl Gane.
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“I think he’s going to do great. He actually hit me up when he was in Arizona a little bit, to train, it was during camp and didn’t make sense but, yeah I think it’s a great matchup for him too with his wrestling. [Against] Ciryl Gane, I think he takes care of business pretty easily in that one.”
As someone who has seen success in both divisions, Bader believing that Jones will have success in the heavyweight division despite being out of action since 2020, says a lot about the former UFC light heavyweight champion. The last times Jones competed was back in 2020 when he successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes.
There is plenty of intrigue heading into UFC 285 in March and for Jon Jones, he can add to his already legendary legacy if he adds the heavyweight title with a win over Gane.
