Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Jon Jones
believes Ciryl Gane's
confidence will play a key role in a rematch against Tom
Aspinall.

Gane (14-2) challenged Aspinall (15-3) for the heavyweight title in
their first meeting at UFC 321
last October. However, the fight ended in an unfortunate no-contest
after a double eye poke by Gane in the first round rendered
Aspinall unable to continue.

While Aspinall subsequently underwent eye surgery, Gane defeated
Alex
Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title at
UFC Freedom 250. “Bon Gamin” is now expected to challenge
Aspinall in a title unification bout next and Jones believes the
Frenchman will come out on top.

Why Jon Jones believes Ciryl Gane has the edge over Tom
Aspinall

According to Jones, Gane's confidence is soaring after his win over
Pereira. The former champion also notes that Aspinall was looking
invincible until he faced Gane at UFC 321. Notably, many, including
UFC CEO Dana
White, opined that the two-time interim champion was winning
the fight as long as it lasted.

“I believe Gane's going to win,†Jones told Ring Magazine. “When
you become the champion and you beat a man like Alex Pereira, it
has to do something for your confidence. Even in Gane's first fight
with Tom Aspinall, Tom was looking pretty invincible until Ciryl
Gane. And most people feel like Gane was winning that fight. I feel
like Gane's confidence has to be at an all-time high.â€

Jones returned to the Octagon after three years against Gane in
2023, with the vacant heavyweight title on the line. “Bones” made
quick work of the French heavyweight with a guillotine choke in the
very first round. Meanwhile, the American has a contentious
relationship with Aspinall, with the duo going back and forth
repeatedly before Jones ultimately vacated the belt.

Real American Freestyle has announced a new championship designed
exclusively for elite crossover athletes from combat sports.

In a new social media post, RAF revealed details about the
competition. The inaugural championship bout of the new crossover
event will feature Arman
Tsarukyan against former
Ultimate Fighting Championship interim champion Colby
Covington.

RAF Crossover Championship creates new path for combat sports
athletes

RAF has introduced the RAF Crossover Championship, developed
exclusively for high-profile crossover athletes from combat sports.
The first cruiserweight match will take place at RAF 11 in
Milwaukee, featuring Tsarukyan and Covington.

The crossover will blend elite freestyle wrestling with MMA talent,
offering marquee crossover matchups.

“A new championship arrives at RAF,†RAF Wrestling's official X
account posted. “Introducing the RAF Crossover Championship.
Created exclusively for crossover wrestlers from across the world
of combat sports.â€

“The first chapter begins in Milwaukee with Arman Tsarukyan vs.
Colby Covington. The inaugural Cruiserweight Crossover
Championship,†the post further read.

Tsarukyan enters the matchup with a perfect 6-0 record under the
RAF banner, having most recently dominated Kuat
Khamitov at RAF Georgia. Covington, meanwhile, is unbeaten
through three RAF appearances, building on an accomplished amateur
wrestling background that includes an NJCAA national championship
and NCAA Division I All-American honors. The former interim UFC
welterweight champion last edged Chris
Weidman at RAF 9.

The event is set for July 18 at 8 p.m. ET in Milwaukee.

A new championship arrives at RAF.

Introducing the RAF Crossover Championship.

Created exclusively for crossover wrestlers from across the world
of combat sports.

The first chapter begins in Milwaukee with Arman
Tsarukyan vs. Colby
Covington.

The inaugural Cruiserweight… pic.twitter.com/EHDvb9kuwV

— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA)
July 13, 2026

Veteran global sports executive Loren Mack has joined BKB in a
landmark role. | 📷: Jonathan Wong/South China Morning
Post/Getty

---

Bare Knuckle Boxing has made an important signing to its executive
team, inking veteran global sports executive Loren Mack as the
chief marketing officer and executive vice president of
strategy.

Founded by entrepreneur Mike Vasquez and former professional
fighter Dhafir “Dada
5000†Harris, Mack has joined BKB after his most recent run
with the
Professional Fighters League, where he served as senior vice
president of communications. BKB announced the hiring of Mack with
an official press release sent Wednesday morning ahead of its
upcoming show in Los Angeles on July 18. Per the release, Mack will
oversee global brand strategy and much more.

Loren Mack brings UFC, ONE Championship and PFL experience to
Bare Knuckle Boxing

“As chief marketing officer and executive vice president of
strategy, Mack will oversee BKB global brand strategy, audience and
content growth, broadcast and streaming marketing, live event
demand generation, and the marketing strategy supporting the
organization's sponsorship and partnership portfolio. As a member
of the senior leadership team, he will help shape BKB's enterprise
and corporate strategy while playing a key role in driving the
organization's long-term growth and value,†the press release
stated.

Mack has over two decades in combat sports, holding executive
leadership positions throughout his career with PFL, as well as
One
Championship and the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“BKB has achieved extraordinary growth over the past several years,
and we're assembling an executive team capable of taking the
organization to the next level,†BKB CEO David Tetreault said.
“Loren brings a rare combination of strategic vision, marketing
expertise, commercial leadership and deep industry relationships
developed over more than two decades in sports. His experience
building global brands and driving business growth will be
invaluable as we continue expanding our audience, strengthening our
partnerships, and continue to bring BKB to millions of fans around
the world.â€