Video emerges of Jon Jones showing off his heavyweight power, but fans are very concerned over his UFC return

Fans have expressed concern over Jon Jones' highly-anticipated UFC return after a video emerged online of his striking on the pads.

Jones hasn't fought since February 2020 when he beat Dominick Reyes, but he's set to return to action at UFC 285 this weekend.

He takes on top contender and former title challenger Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight belt in the main-event of the big Las Vegas card.

'Bones' gets a shot at UFC heavyweight gold following the departure of Francis Ngannou, but some fans have raised concerns ahead of his Octagon comeback against Gane.

A clip of the 35-year-old hitting the pads has got UFC fans on social media talking as they've highlighed his lack of speed, with some claiming the Frenchman will beat him and make it look easy.

One Twitter user wrote: "Never liked Jones boxing, rarely ever saw him throw more than a 1-2....but he Never really needed more than that. Against Cyril, he will need some good combinations."

A second tweeted: "He looks a lot slower than he used to, but we don't know how he will look in the cage."

A third added: "Looks slow to me. He may be in trouble."

A fourth said: "Gane is going to make this look so easy."

Another commented: "That boy getting KOd in the 3rd."

Obviously, it's just pad work and once Jones and Gane are under the bright lights in the cage, then it's a whole different story.

However, there's some concern from fans for Jones, who will make his first UFC appearance in over three years.

Gane comes into the bout having knocked out Tai Tuivasa following his defeat to Ngannou for the UFC title.

The 32-year-old, known for his athleticism and kick-boxing, put on a clinic to stop the Australian slugger.

But Jones isn't worried about 'Bon Gamin's' kick-boxing skills.

One Twitter, he said: "Man I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you guys consider Gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced. Everything Thiago did have bad intentions on it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.

"Gane's last three opponents had terrible defense. Those guys couldn’t stop a kick if their life depended on it. He’s fought flat footed boxers his last three fights. Best wrestler he ever fought was Francis, that’s wild."

Topics: Jon Jones, UFC

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar