JON JONES successfully returned from a THREE-YEAR lay-off to capture the heavyweight crown and further stake his claim to be the greatest fighter of all time.<br /><br />Eleven years after first toying with a move up to heavyweight, Jones challenged Frenchman Ciryl Gane for the vacant title in the main event of UFC 285 in Las Vegas.<br /><br />MMA fans had their doubts ahead of the former light-heavyweight champion's date with destiny, with many believing Father Time had caught up with him in his last outing.<br /><br />But he silenced the doubters with a stunning first-round submission victory over Gane to become a two-division champion and further cement his already concrete legacy in the sport.<br /><br />An elated Jones told UFC commentator Joe Rogan: "First and foremost, I gotta give thanks to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.<br /><br />"Without him, I never would've made it this far."<br /><br />Jones immediately took the center of the octagon after rising from his traditional crouch stance.<br /><br />They traded leg kicks early doors but Gane brought a halt to the action with an accidental low blow – much to the disappointment of the crowd.<br /><br />Jones, 35, quickly recovered and went back at the Frenchman.<br /><br />Gane was light on his feet from the get-go and looked to pick Jones apart from the distance.<br /><br />Wrestling phenom Jones nearly bagged an early takedown off a leg kick but was unable to complete it.<br /><br />Apex predator Jones was encouraged, however, and started stalking Gane like a hungry animal.<br /><br />And he managed to bring the fight down to his domain by beautifully slipping a right hand and scoring a takedown with a level change.<br /><br />Gane tried to work his way back up to his feet but soon found himself with his back pressed up against the cage.<br /><br />Jones managed to cinch in a guillotine choke, but Gane initially defended it well.<br /><br />But Jones managed to re-apply it and send the arena into pandemonium by drawing a tap from Gane.<br /><br />Wrestling phenom Jones nearly bagged an early takedown off a leg kick but was unable to complete it.<br /><br />Apex predator Jones was encouraged, however, and started stalking Gane like a hungry animal.<br /><br />And he managed to bring the fight down to his domain by beautifully slipping a right hand and scoring a takedown with a level change.<br /><br />Gane tried to work his way back up to his feet but soon found himself with his back pressed up against the cage.<br /><br />Jones managed to cinch in a guillotine choke, but Gane initially defended it well.<br /><br />But Jones managed to re-apply it and send the arena into pandemonium by drawing a tap from Gane.<br /><br />He said: "Stipe Miocic, I hope you're training, my guy.<br /><br />"You're the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that's what I want. I want you — real bad."
