Jon Jones made a triumphant return to the octagon at UFC 285. He became the heavyweight champion in his first-ever fight in the division. Furthermore, ‘Bones’ also won the ESPYs 2023 as the best UFC fighter, following which he squared off with 7-foot-4 Purdue star Zach Edey, recreating an iconic photo.

There was a lot of hype around Jon Jones’ UFC 285 return, and he did not disappoint the fans. ‘Bones’ decimated Ciryl Gane and submitted him within two minutes of the opening round to capture the then-vacant heavyweight title. Conversely, the title was vacated following Francis Ngannou‘s departure from the UFC. Meanwhile, Jones’ impressive return earned him nominations in two separate categories for ESPY Awards and he won the Best UFC Fighter award. However, that was not the most interesting thing that happened that evening.

Jon Jones and Zach Edey face off to recreate an iconic photo

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was friends with Bruce Lee as he made an appearance in Lee’s ‘Game of Death’ movie in 1978. They shot a fight scene and a picture from the scene has become one of the most iconic photos in movie history. The 7-foot-tall NBA star showed his reach to Bruce Lee, who was 5-foot-8.

Similarly, Jon Jones and Purdue Boilermakers star Zach Edey performed a similar pose with the latter showing his reach to the UFC heavyweight champion of the world.

They also playfully enacted a shadowboxing performance as well. At the ESPY Awards show, Jon Jones had more than one encounter with famous basketball players. While seated in the audience, Jamal Murray jokingly requested that Jones not choke him out after defeating him to win the Best Comeback Athlete award.

Nevertheless, Jones earned plaudits for his achievements on the storied night after he beat out three UFC champions to claim major honors.

‘Bones’ defeated three champions to win the ESPY Award

Jon Jones defeated some of the best UFC fighters to grab the Best UFC Fighter award. The nominees included lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who won his title at UFC 280 by defeating Charles Oliveira and then defending it against Alexander Volkanovski.

Furthermore, Leon Edwards was also included in the list for his exceptional head kick on Kamaru Usman. It has become one of the most iconic moments in the UFC. The list also included a female fighter, Amanda Nunes. who recently retired as a double champion. None of these fighters could surpass the UFC 285 performance by Jon Jones.

READ MORE: Jon Jones Once Claimed Michael Jai White “Humbled” Him in a Sparring Session as MMA Icon Turned Hollywood Star Labels UFC Legend as the “GOAT”

Jon Jones called out Stipe Miocic after his UFC 285 win. However, the timeline for the fight is yet to be released by the UFC. Fans are eager to see ‘Bones’ back inside the Octagon. He’s had only one fight in the last three years. We will have to wait and see what the UFC has planned for him.

What do you make of Jones recreating an iconic photo? Let us know in the comments section below.

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