Getty Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou could fight soon.
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou finally commented on his current situation with the UFC, and the 34-year-old named UFC superstar Jon Jones as his preferred next fight. That means the champ wants to face Jones over the UFC’s top choice, Derrick Lewis. Ngannou and Jones have been openly planning a superfight against each other since last year, but UFC president Dana White has indicated that since Ngannou won the title at UFC 260, Lewis would get the first crack at the new champ.
But Ngannou disagrees.
“I want Jon Jones. Oh, definitely,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports.
Ngannou dismissed the idea of Lewis being his next opponent. He said, “I don’t care about what the talk says, I love that fight, I love that fight [against Jones]”.
When asked about the suddenly quite beefy Jones, Ngannou reminded the interviewer that the champ was a big guy, too.
“I have some size, too. I’m strong, too,” Ngannnou said.
Finally, Ngannou’s message to Jones was that it was time for the two UFC stars to settle things inside the cage.
“I’m impressed. He’s very skilled, very talented. I respect that. But we are both men, can find out,” Ngannou said.
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Hope Remains Alive for Ngannou vs. Jones Superfight
Ngannou and Jones could still be on the way later this year. Jones and the UFC haven’t come to terms yet with how much more money the former UFC light heavyweight champion should make for his entrance into the heavyweight ranks.
Jones hired a new advisor to help his cause, and he continues to train for the megafight. Indeed, in his latest post on Instagram, Jones looks bigger, faster and stronger than ever. He posted, “I think I like being a big boy…”.
But Ngannou’s latest comments on his situation, along with the UFC failing to officially announce Ngannou vs. Lewis, means hope remains alive for the most desired superfight in the UFC.
Ngannou could be standing firm with Jones on making the fight happen, and that could mean the UFC is left with nothing to do but giving in to his demands.
Ngannou vs. Lewis 2 Not Bad Backup Plan
The good news for fight fans is that even if Ngannou vs. Jones doesn’t happen next, Ngannou vs. Lewis 2 isn’t a bad backup plan.
After all, Ngannou and Lewis are both among the hardest-hitting UFC stars in history, and both heavyweights have looked better than ever in recent fights.
Ngannou has won all five of his fights since losing a decision to Lewis in 2018. Since that setback, Ngannnou has knocked out every fighter he’s faced including Stipe Miocic for the belt at UFC 260, and he appears to be the UFC’s newest and scariest immovable object.
But Lewis is also riding a win steak. He’s won four straight, is the record-holder for most KOs in UFC history at 12, and looks like he’s in the best shape of his career.
That makes Lewis a dangerous out for anyone right now, even Ngannou, and it gives the UFC a solid backup plan if they can’t come to terms with Jones.
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Francis Ngannou Breaks Silence About Jon Jones