UFC 285 definitely lived up to the hype, with the highly anticipated return of Jon Jones at heavyweight against a top contender like Ciryl Gane. Sure, the main event only lasted two minutes and four seconds, but from top to bottom the card had everything for everyone. Here are just some takeaways from UFC 285 that made the fight card that much more exciting, even after the dust has begun to settle.
Jon Jones Captures UFC Heavyweight Gold
The return of one of the greatest mixed martial artists (whether you love him or hate him) was short but sweet. A first-round submission put the world back on notice as to why he is one of the best. Jones took no damage from Ciryl Gane, which is unheard of in a heavyweight fight. With Jon Jones now at heavyweight, he is chasing even more greatness. With a potential matchup against Stipe Miocic, he could defend his championship and cement his destiny of being the greatest; not just pound-for-pound, but of all time.
Alexa Grasso Shocks the World
What a time to be a fan of the underdog story. Alexa Grasso was not given a chance to win against Valentina Shevchenko. Valentina Shevchenko has been the most dominant Women’s Flyweight Champion, and after making a simple mistake by trying a spin kick, she missed and Alexa Grasso made her pay. Grasso’s win just goes to show you that you cannot count out the underdog. What is next for Grasso? Well, with Mexico having a new champion, Grasso’s win opened up the discussion for a Mexico fight card maybe even in a rematch against Valentina Shevchenko.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Tested
Shavkat Rakhmonov found out that Geoff Neal lives up to the “Handz of Steel” nickname. Shavkat was in danger of being knocked out but to be considered a contender, he adjusted his game plan and dug deep to get a submission victory. Shavkat Rakhmonov passed a very dangerous test and looks to continue upward toward a title shot.
Controversy for Bo Nickal Debut
There was a hype train surrounding Bo Nickal heading into his UFC debut on a main card of Pay-Per-View, with only three wins on his record. A lot of questions were answered against Jamie Pickett with Bo Nickal locking in a first-round submission. After the fight, it looked like Jamie Pickett was going to dispute the win as he claimed a groin strike landed that altered the fight. Overtime Heroics will keep you, the fight fans, in the loop if any more news comes out about the controversy surrounding Bo Nickal’s win at UFC 285.
Last of Derek Brunson
Derek Brunson took a chance by accepting a fight against a rising contender like Dricus du Plessis. Brunson looked good in the first round with a back-and-forth war. The second round continued where the first left off, but it was Dricus du Plessis who found the more damaging shots, finishing the fight at the end of the second round with Derek Brunson’s corner throwing in the towel. Derek took to social media and thanked his fans for following his career. Does it mean we have seen the last of The One? If so, what a career he had! Brunson may have not won UFC gold, but he gave it his all when he entered the Octagon.
What were your thoughts on UFC 285 and what takeaways did you feel were big topics to discuss and didn’t make this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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