Ngannou Blasts Jon Jones I’m done with the hype.
Francis Ngannou has spoken, and he’s not holding back. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who famously parted ways with the organization in 2022 after contract disputes, has definitively closed the chapter on endless speculation about a showdown with Jon Jones.
In an unfiltered interview, Ngannou made his stance crystal clear:
“It’s been four years that I’ve been singing. I’m confused that people keep asking me this question, like, ‘Is it… it’s been four years. That’s not my problem. I don’t care about it anymore. If it happens, yes. If it doesn’t, f*** it.”
Ngannou’s exasperation highlights a growing divide between MMA fans’ persistent fantasies and his own career trajectory.
The Dream Fight That Never Was
The potential clash between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones has been one of MMA’s most tantalizing “what ifs.” Fans and analysts alike salivated at the idea of these two juggernauts colliding in the octagon. Jones, a once-in-a-lifetime talent and the youngest UFC champion in history, transitioned to the heavyweight division in 2023 and captured the title in dominant fashion against Ciryl Gane.
But Jones’ career has not been without blemish. Ngannou’s Legacy Failed drug tests, legal troubles, and a reputation for ducking challenges have cast a shadow over his legacy. His move to heavyweight was long delayed, coinciding suspiciously with Ngannou’s departure from the UFC. Critics have argued that Jones waited until Ngannou left the promotion before making his long-anticipated jump to the heavyweight ranks.
Ngannou’s New Frontier: Boxing and the PFL
Since parting ways with the UFC, Francis Ngannou has charted an impressive path. In 2023, he stepped into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury and went toe-to-toe with the “Gypsy King,” proving his mettle as a crossover athlete. Ngannou followed this with a blockbuster bout against Anthony Joshua, cementing his reputation as a two-sport sensation.
Simultaneously, Ngannou partnered with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he became the first-ever Super Fights Heavyweight Champion. The PFL, bolstered by investments from Saudi Arabia, has positioned Ngannou as the face of their organization, offering him lucrative opportunities and creative control over his career.
Is a Jones-Ngannou Fight Still Possible?
While fans continue to dream of this clash, Ngannou has made it clear that he’s moved on. However, some believe Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in combat sports—spanning boxing, the UFC, and the PFL—could revive negotiations. The PFL is reportedly eager to facilitate the fight, but the UFC’s notoriously rigid stance on cross-promotion makes it unlikely.
Ngannou remains unfazed by the noise. With his sights firmly set on dominating both boxing and the PFL, he is determined to carve out a legacy on his own terms, leaving behind the shadow of Jon Jones. With his journey spanning the octagon, the boxing ring, and now the PFL, Francis Ngannou is redefining what it means to be a combat sports legend. A Champion’s Path His fearless attitude, from walking away from the UFC to facing boxing titans, solidifies his legacy as one of the sport’s most daring icons.
