Jon Jones became a two-weight UFC champion by tapping out Ciryl Gane in just over two minutes to win the heavyweight title.
Jones, 35, was returning to the cage after spending three years on the sidelines, during which he bulked up to 248lb from light-heavyweight. Former interim titleholder Gane, 32, was challenging for the undisputed title for the second time in three fights having previously been outpointed by Francis Ngannou last year.
As the fight got underway, Jones landed a hard low kick before there was a brief half in the action as Gane caught Jones in the groin with a kick of his own. Upon the resumption, Jones pressed forward and attacked Gane's legs as the Frenchman circled on the counter. Jones scored his first takedown of the fight by dragging Gane to the canvas and taking his back as his rival battled in vain to break free.
