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.
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.
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.
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.
An elated Jones told UFC commentator Joe Rogan: "First and foremost, I gotta give thanks to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.
"Without him, I never would've made it this far."
Jones immediately took the center of the octagon after rising from his traditional crouch stance.
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.
Jones, 35, quickly recovered and went back at the Frenchman.
Gane was light on his feet from the get-go and looked to pick Jones apart from the distance.
Wrestling phenom Jones nearly bagged an early takedown off a leg kick but was unable to complete it.
Apex predator Jones was encouraged, however, and started stalking Gane like a hungry animal.
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.
Gane tried to work his way back up to his feet but soon found himself with his back pressed up against the cage.
Jones managed to cinch in a guillotine choke, but Gane initially defended it well.
But Jones managed to re-apply it and send the arena into pandemonium by drawing a tap from Gane.
Wrestling phenom Jones nearly bagged an early takedown off a leg kick but was unable to complete it.
Apex predator Jones was encouraged, however, and started stalking Gane like a hungry animal.
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.
Gane tried to work his way back up to his feet but soon found himself with his back pressed up against the cage.
Jones managed to cinch in a guillotine choke, but Gane initially defended it well.
But Jones managed to re-apply it and send the arena into pandemonium by drawing a tap from Gane.
He said: "Stipe Miocic, I hope you're training, my guy.
"You're the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that's what I want. I want you — real bad."
