UFC finally has a new heavyweight champion and it is none other than Jon Jones! After relinquishing his light heavyweight title, Jones promised the fans that he would rule over the heavyweight division someday. While it took him more than 3 years to fulfill his promise, Jon did it in the most spectacular way possible! Jon submitted Ciryl Gane within a round to win the title at UFC 285.
However, the entire scenario could have been very different. Before his unfortunate and much-publicized exit from the UFC, Francis Ngannou was the heavyweight champion of the world! After Ngannou beat Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 via vicious KO, fans immediately started clamoring for a bout between “The Predator” and Jones. They were really close to getting the fight as well.
However, the contract negotiations between UFC and Francis Ngannou turned sour in the last weeks of 2022. Hence, the company decided to part ways with the Cameroonian fighter. It is rumored that more than the money, Ngannou wanted health benefits from the UFC.
But, as fans know, UFC President Dana White is strictly against long-term health benefits. The situation became so bad that White even stated that Francis will never fight in the UFC again! Even Jones targeted Ngannou after his heavyweight title win and called him a “p**sy.”
Dana White predicts the outcome of a potential Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou fight
Although Dana White made it clear that he is not in the Francis Ngannou business any longer, he still has to tackle questions about the former champ. After Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane, there were bound to be questions about a potential fight against Francis. During the UFC 285 post-fight press conference, Dana was once asked about it and this time, Dana buried the prospect with a bold and blunt response.
He added, “I mean, to even compare Francis Ngannou or Ciryl Gane to Jon Jones, you can’t. You can’t even compare them to this guy. We all wanna see a fight The guy (Ngannou) has gotta want the fight. Francis does not want the fight, you can’t make him fight. And, I doubt it would have gone any differently.”
Not just Francis, it looks like Dana is not happy with Ciryl Gane’s performance either! But Jon Jones may already have his first title challenger lined up for him. There are talks that Jon may fight Stipe Miocic in an upcoming UFC PPV. But, as per Dana, there is no guarantee that Jon will continue fighting after the Miocic fight. As for Francis Ngannou, he is yet to find his next venture.
After his UFC exit, fans were anticipating a move to PFL, especially with Jake Paul being involved in the promotion. However, some reports even added he may make his professional boxing debut against Derek Chisora. But, it does not look like anything has materialized on the matter just yet.
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