Jon Jones made a triumphant return to the UFC after three years to submit Ciryl Gane and win the heavyweight title at UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
The American was making his debut at heavyweight but needed only two minutes to become a two-weight UFC champion.
Jones, 35, forced France’s Gane, 32, to tap with a guillotine choke to stake his claim as MMA’s greatest fighter.
Speaking after the win, Jones referenced his “GOAT” (greatest of all time) status by saying “Baa”.
He has now competed in 16 title fights in the UFC, winning every single encounter – although his 2017 win over Daniel Cormier was overturned to a no-contest.
Jones joins an elite class of fighters who have won UFC titles at two weight divisions, including Conor McGregor and his bitter rival Cormier.
“I’ve been working for this for a long time,” Jones said. “A lot of people thought I wouldn’t even be coming back. I’ve been faithful to my goal. I’ve been faithful to the mission.”
Two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic was cageside watching the contest, and Jones immediately called out the former title holder.
“Stipe Miocic, I hope you’re training,” he said. “You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time and I want you. I want you real bad.”
