UFC 285 is going down this weekend and the promotions are heating up for the event. In the main event of the much-anticipated PPV, Jon Jones will fight the no. 1 heavyweight contender, Ciryl Gane for the vacant title. With Jones returning after such a long lay-off, the excitement for the event has reached a fever pitch!
Despite the positive change in his attitude recently, Jones did not miss a chance to take a shot at Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane. While interacting with his fans on Twitter, Jones addressed Gane’s grappling and added that Ngannou was the only “wrestler” on the Frenchman’s resume. Fans may interpret it as a shot against the former champ.
Best wrestler he ever fought was Francis, that’s wild
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023
During their fight at UFC 270, Francis Ngannou decided to wrestle Ciryl Gane. The move came as a shock to many as Francis is the most powerful striker in the UFC. Hence, fans were expecting to witness a slugfest between “The Predator” and “Bon Gamin.” Instead, they witnessed Francis employ a masterful game plan to get the win.
ganes 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
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023
Hence Jon used it as an example to explain Ciryl Gane’s grappling defense. It was a slight at Gane for not being able to overcome Ngannou’s wrestling, who is not the best grappler in the division. Jon also indirectly took a pop at Francis’s striking skills and his defense against kicks. Gane was visibly the better striker in their January 2022 fight.
Jon Jones criticizes Francis Ngannou for leaving the UFC
Fans were left shocked when Francis Ngannou parted ways with the UFC. At the time, fans were expecting Ngannou to defend his heavyweight title against Jon Jones. But there were disagreements between Ngannou and the promotion, which led to Ngannou walking away. After the news broke, Jon Jones backed the 36-year-old.
Jonny Bones was happy that Ngannou left the UFC to search for better opportunities. Jones, who had his own share of heated contract negotiations with the UFC, did not hold a grudge against Ngannou wanting more money. However, Jon has changed his tune very recently. During an interview with RMC Sports, Jones revealed that it was Ngannou who bailed on fighting him.
The former UFC light heavyweight champ added, “Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.”
However, many fans thought it was an attempt from Jon to drum up some interest in his upcoming fight. The 35-year-old has been very civil with his public statements recently. He even tried to bury the hatchet with his bitter rival Daniel Cormier recently. Jones also hinted that he was back with his fiance Jessie Moses. So it looks like Jon is in a good place both professionally and in his personal life.
What are your thoughts on Jon taking potshots at Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane? Let us know in the comments down below.
