Jon Jones: Beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 would solidify me as greatest of all time

Jon Jones’ goal is more than just becoming the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Jones, the former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion, will return after a three-year layoff to face former interim champ Ciryl Gane (11-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) for the vacant heavyweight title in the UFC 285 headliner on March 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) plans to put an end to that debate by winning a UFC title in a second division.

“Of course, I want to perform at the highest level possible,” Jones said on “Unlocking the Cage” with Jimmy Smith. “I want to look great and not only do I want to win, I want to dominate. But, no, I’m not really thinking about the pressure of being pound-for-pound king. We all have our time of looking the absolute best in the world. I’m fighting for something that I believe is bigger, which is the greatest of all time, and I do believe a victory over Gane solidifies that.”

Jones’ light heavyweight title reign included 11 successful title defenses overall, with wins over the likes of Alexander Gustafsson twice, Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, and many more. In his most recent octagon appearance, Jones edged out Dominick Reyes to retain his 205-pound title at UFC 247 before deciding to vacate his belt a few months later.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285.