Francis Ngannou has provided specific details on what is required for his highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Jon Jones to finally become a reality.
Jones, the legendary two-division world champion, issued a challenge to Ngannou recently after Ngannou`s coach, Eric Nicksick, hinted at a potential return to the UFC. Ngannou is currently under contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he holds both fighting and executive positions.
However, the PFL has demonstrated willingness in the past to allow Ngannou to compete outside their promotion, notably permitting him to box against prominent heavyweights like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua without requiring co-promotion. This precedent suggests that PFL involvement in a historic heavyweight showdown with Jones is feasible.
Ngannou Addresses Jones` Challenge
While Francis Ngannou does not frequently use social media platform X, he broke his silence following Jon Jones` callout to offer a prompt reply. His response effectively accepted the challenge, emphasizing that both fighters would need to resolve their respective promotional commitments.
Jones initiated the exchange on X, writing:
“I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade.
Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That’s the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view.”
Ngannou`s reply was concise:
“You take care of the UFC, I’ll take care of the PFL. And we’ll finally find out who’s the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT.”
This statement clearly indicates that coordinating their promotional partners is key to making the fight happen.
Although PFL executives like Donn Davis and Peter Murray have openly expressed their desire for this fight, convincing UFC CEO Dana White may prove challenging. White has previously declared he would never work with Ngannou again after a contentious split saw Ngannou leave the UFC while still the reigning champion in 2023.
Controversy Surrounds Jones` Dismissal of Tom Aspinall
The notable issue surrounding a potential Ngannou vs. Jones fight is the situation involving interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The British contender has actively sought an undisputed title fight with Jones for years, but the prospect appears increasingly distant.
It now seems plausible that Aspinall could be bypassed for the title unification in favor of Ngannou, who technically never lost the undisputed belt in a fight. Indeed, amid ongoing debate about the true heavyweight champion between Jones and Aspinall, Ngannou`s status as the lineal champion is frequently asserted.
The Cameroonian fighter has promoted himself as the lineal champion in his two boxing appearances and his PFL debut last October. He has become a regular participant in events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where substantial financial deals have successfully brought together boxing promoters who previously vowed not to collaborate.
However, a reconciliation allowing Dana White and Ngannou to work together seems unlikely at present, particularly given the UFC CEO’s reported tension with Saudi boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh.
Jones faced significant criticism from fans who accused him of avoiding Aspinall. He later responded on X by dismissing Aspinall`s ground skills, stating:
“You clowns thinking, Francis would be that much easier because of the ground game. Tom has no ground game either. In English black belt is like getting a participation ribbon.”
