Francis Ngannou Shocks Fans: ‘Dana Shields Jon Jones from Me – He’s Scared!’
The world of MMA just got hit with another explosive twist, as Francis Ngannou has once again taken aim at Jon Jones and Dana White. In a stunning verbal assault, Ngannou boldly claimed that UFC President Dana White is deliberately protecting his “golden boy” Jones from facing him inside the octagon. But is there more to this feud than meets the eye?
The tension between the former UFC heavyweight champion and the reigning UFC superstar Jon Jones has been brewing for months, but Ngannou’s latest jab has reignited the flames of controversy, leaving fight fans speculating on what’s really going on behind the scenes.
The Verbal War Intensifies: Ngannou Calls Out “Protection” Scheme
Ngannou didn’t hold back in his latest statements, sending shockwaves through the MMA community. Speaking in a recent interview, the PFL heavyweight lashed out, claiming: “Dana White is protecting his golden boy Jon Jones from me. He knows what would happen if we stepped into that cage together.”
These bold accusations stem from the long-awaited superfight that never materialized after Ngannou parted ways with the UFC in early 2023. Fans were left disappointed as contract disputes and conflicting schedules derailed what could have been the biggest heavyweight clash in modern MMA history.
Ngannou’s comments have sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many fans questioning whether Jones is truly being “protected” or if Ngannou is simply trying to stay relevant while pursuing his PFL career.
However, some believe Ngannou’s words hold weight. His devastating knockout power, combined with his impressive victories over Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane, make him a legitimate threat to anyone in the heavyweight division—including Jones.
Is Jon Jones Avoiding the Fight or Playing Smart?
While Ngannou’s words are fiery, Jon Jones has mostly responded with calculated silence. The UFC heavyweight champion, widely considered one of the most skilled fighters in MMA history, has often dismissed the idea of fighting Ngannou since his move to heavyweight.
Jones’s focus has instead shifted toward Stipe Miocic, a safer yet still respectable opponent who lacks the one-punch knockout threat of Ngannou. Critics argue that Jones’s selection of opponents indicates strategic matchmaking rather than genuine dominance.
But could it be that Jones is playing it safe? Some insiders suggest that Dana White’s protective stance stems from the potential financial disaster of his star fighter suffering a brutal knockout loss. After all, Ngannou’s thunderous power has ended fights in mere seconds, a risk even the most seasoned UFC champions might think twice about.
Ngannou, however, isn’t buying it. He doubled down on his accusations: “Jon knows the truth. If he wanted to prove he’s the best, he’d fight me. But Dana won’t let him take that risk.”
What’s Really Going On Behind the Scenes?
The rift between Ngannou, Jones, and Dana White runs deeper than just a fight. It’s a battle of ego, power, and money.
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was highly publicized, with contract disputes revolving around fighter pay and freedom to box dominating the headlines. Since signing with the PFL, Ngannou has had more control over his career, including lucrative options outside MMA, like a massive crossover boxing match against Tyson Fury.
Meanwhile, Dana White has made it clear that fighters leaving the UFC often face diminished relevance. Could Ngannou’s accusations be a strategic ploy to force White’s hand and reopen talks for a blockbuster UFC return?
Or perhaps this entire feud is just a well-orchestrated publicity stunt, keeping both Ngannou and Jones in the spotlight while maximizing pay-per-view potential.
Regardless of the true motivations, one thing is certain—fight fans are hooked, and the tension continues to build.
Will Ngannou vs. Jones Ever Happen?
As the war of words escalates, fight fans can’t help but wonder if this dream fight will ever materialize.
Ngannou’s deal with the PFL complicates matters, as cross-promotional fights are rare in the world of MMA. However, with the right financial incentives and fan demand, anything is possible.
Jon Jones, on the other hand, remains focused on defending his title in the UFC. But will the mounting pressure force him to confront his critics and finally accept the Ngannou challenge?
For now, the world can only speculate. But with tensions rising and the MMA spotlight focused squarely on these two titans, the stage is set for one of the biggest showdowns in combat sports history—if it ever happens.
Stay tuned as the saga unfolds. Could this be the next great fight—or just another chapter in the ongoing MMA drama?