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Anthony Smith has been an excellent analyst during his time in the UFC. The former light heavyweight title challenger has recently spoken out on who can beat Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones.
The two current UFC heavyweights have been known for their dominance and are incredibly difficult to beat. Jon Jones has currently never been beaten.
“I think Ciryl Gane is the real deal,” Smith said on SiriusXM’s :Fight Nation.” “I’m making the bold prediction, I think Ciryl Gane beats Francis Ngannou, and I think he does it fairly handily. I also think Ciryl Gane beats Jon Jones.”
Anthony Smith points to the fact that Jon Jones struggles with opponents that are skilled and can match him physically. Ciryl Gane currently fits that description at an incredible 6'5 with a well-rounded skill set.
“When Jon Jones finds someone who matches him physically and athletically, I think that then you’re going to have to check down on his list to skill and technique,” UFC light heavyweight Smith said. “I think with Ciryl Gane, I think he loses that battle. I think Ciryl Gane matches his size and athletic ability, his speed, his movement.
“Ciryl Gane’s absolutely the better striker for sure. The little caveat there is if Ciryl Gane can defend a takedown, I think that he beats Jon Jones, and I think it’s boring. I think it’s a game of darts, and they’re just throwing darts at each other. I just think that Ciryl Gane is the higher-level striker. I think he manages distance as well as – maybe a little bit better than – Jon Jones.”
Ciryl Gane currently has a heavyweight title fight booked against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 in January. A win there could certainly set up a fun fight with Jon Jones.
