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UFC 285 is one of the biggest mixed martial arts events so far this year and it's right around the corner. Which high-level athletes will be competing at the event?
The pay-per-view card has been stacked with some of the most recognizable names in the sport. Whilst fans are undoubtedly in for a rollercoaster of an event with the promotion stacking it from top to bottom, the two men making the final walks into the octagon are the main attraction.
Jon Jones will return to action after three years on the sidelines as he steps up in weight and challenges for the vacant heavyweight throne on Saturday night. Opposing him is the ultra-talented former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane, who wants to showcase why he deserves to be the next man to run the division as he intends on spoiling the Hall-of-Famer's comeback party.
Although it's not as heavily promoted, the women's flyweight strap will be on the line in the co-main event at UFC 285 this weekend. Valentina Shevchenko is preparing to make her eighth successful defense of the title as she welcomes in-form striking specialist Alexa Grasso to her first shot at gold.
A welterweight match for the ages will be on the show as well, as the once-canceled Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Geoff Neal clash will finally get settled when the cage door closes on May 4.
Middleweight wars in debuting Bo Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett, Derek Brunson vs. Dricus du Plessis, and Julian Marquez vs. Marc-Andre Barriault will commence at the event. Undefeated Irish prospect Ian Garry welcomes his fourth fight under the UFC banner when he faces well-rounded vet Kenan Song.
Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt returns to his natural 135lb weight class where he locks horns with tough unranked talent Trevin Jones.
View the full UFC 285 card below.
Jon Jones: Why is UFC 285 the first time 'Bones' has competed in three years?
Jon Jones is regarded by many as the greatest to ever step foot into the octagon, but he could have potentially cemented that if he hadn't wasted three years of his prime.
Originally, 'Bones' was planning on stepping up to heavyweight to compete against the winner of Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic on March 27, 2021, but a dispute over pay forced him into an extended hiatus.
Now, three years after his controversial win over Dominick Reyes, Jones is finally ready to return to action and could join the list of two-division champions when he competes at UFC 285 on Saturday.
