Ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou keeps door open for Jon Jones showdown: “I want, it’s not a need”

Francis Ngannou is one of the scariest combat athletes in the world. The Cameroonian had a storied career in the UFC before his split with the promotion. A fight that has enamored both casual and hardcore fans alike is that of Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou.

Jon Jones is the current heavyweight champion of the UFC and Ngannou is the lineal UFC heavyweight champion. With both fighters at different promotions, the chances of the fight happening are low but not non-existent.

Ngannou weighs in on potential Jon Jones bout

Francis Ngannou is currently slated to fight Tyson Fury in a boxing bout. The former UFC champion could not have made the bout against the WBC champion with the UFC. But the PFL has allowed considerable freedom for Ngannou in their deal. The deal has also made him a partner with corporate responsibilities in PFL Africa.

Recently, Ngannou spoke to the media ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury. Ngannou was bombarded with questions from both the MMA and boxing fraternity. When asked about the potential bout with Jon Jones, the Predator insinuated that it is something he feels needs to happen for everyone. He further elaborated that it’s not something that he wants. He was also asked about the main event of UFC 295 headlined by Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones.

Ngannou has a history with Miocic as he is currently 1-1 against the fighter who is a full-time first responder. The Predator was unsuccessful in his first attempt at heavyweight gold against Miocic at UFC 220. However, he won the title from Miocic after three years at UFC 260. The Cameroonian and Bones were seen as cordial ringside at a PFL event

The French-Cameroonian fighter had already enamored combat sports fans across the world with his sentimental story of escaping Africa from poverty. His high-profile boxing bout with Tyson Fury is poised to break several pay-per-view records.

Why is Francis Ngannou not UFC champion anymore?

Ngannou left the UFC after several negotiations with the promotion that failed to reach a compromise. The tussle between the promotion and Ngannou started soon after he became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the UFC. It was followed by the promotion immediately booking an interim title fight between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis.

Francis Ngannou
Image via Forbes

The UFC and Dana White were not hesitant to fill the pockets of Ngannou. The promotion and the fighter differed on subjects like individual sponsorship, fighter health insurance, and freedom. White was against the idea of an MMA fighter boxing after the debacle of Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The UFC immediately stripped Ngannou after the fighter firmly fought for his beliefs. Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane fought for the vacant title at UFC 285. Jones quickly submitted Gane in the first round.

Do you think Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou would fight? Comment below!

Aramis

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A free spirited human being with a passion for combat sports.

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