Francis Ngannou is frustrated with being constantly paired with opponents better than him.
Francis Ngannou, the reigning PFL Heavyweight Super Fights champion, has made it abundantly clear that he is done discussing the long-standing speculation about a potential fight with Jon Jones. In an interview with Seconds Out in Saudi Arabia, ahead of the high-profile rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Ngannou expressed his frustration with the repetitive question of a fight against UFC’s heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Ngannou’s Growing Frustration
“It’s been four years that I’ve been saying it,” Ngannou remarked. “I’m confused that people keep asking me this question.” The Cameroonian fighter has consistently been linked to a potential showdown with Jones ever since his departure from the UFC in early 2023. Despite numerous fans and media outlets eager to see these two giants square off, Ngannou’s patience seems to have worn thin. He has grown increasingly tired of addressing the ongoing speculation that has plagued him for years.
The Turning Point: A Bold Statement
Ngannou’s words during the interview signaled a dramatic shift in his perspective. Asked if the fight could still happen, he bluntly responded:
“It’s been four years. That’s not my problem; I don’t care about it anymore.”
The tone in his voice was clear—Ngannou has moved on. Whether the fight happens or not is no longer a priority for him, and he has resigned himself to the possibility that it might never materialize. His direct statement, ending with, “If it happens, yes; if it doesn’t, (expletive) it,” left no room for ambiguity.
Ngannou’s Focus Now Shifts
The last time Ngannou entered the octagon, he took on Renan Ferreira in October 2023, clinching the PFL Heavyweight title with a dominant performance. Since then, he has redirected his attention to boxing, marking his departure from UFC circles for good. The possibility of him facing Jones, who went on to claim the UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 after Ngannou’s departure, seems increasingly remote. Ngannou’s decision to leave UFC, combined with his current commitment to boxing and competing in PFL, has solidified the belief that a fight with Jones is not part of his immediate future.
Jones vs. Aspinall: The More Likely Fight
Meanwhile, Jon Jones remains focused on his future in the UFC, with a highly anticipated unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall slated for 2025. With UFC President Dana White teasing a “fight that fans will never see coming” during his end-of-year press conference, the idea of a fight with Ngannou seems far-fetched, especially considering the growing tension between the two fighters and the UFC. The expected showdown between Jones and Aspinall further diminishes the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones clash, which many fans once hoped for.
The Long-Awaited Showdown: A Dream That May Never Be
As of now, the much-discussed potential clash between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones appears to be nothing more than a pipe dream. Ngannou’s outspoken comments and focus on his boxing career suggest that he is no longer invested in the fight, while Jones continues to look ahead to his next challenge in the UFC. Fans who have eagerly awaited this matchup may have to accept the reality that the fight might never happen. Whether it’s due to Ngannou’s departure from the UFC or the unlikeliness of it fitting into Jones’ schedule, the dream of a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou showdown seems to be fading fast.
