Francis Ngannou has clarified the necessary steps for him and Jon Jones to finally make their long-anticipated heavyweight clash a reality.
Legendary two-division world champion Jones issued a challenge to Ngannou recently after coach Eric Nicksick hinted at a potential return to the UFC for Francis. The former UFC heavyweight champion is currently signed to PFL, where he also holds an executive and ambassadorial role.
PFL has previously demonstrated a willingness to allow Ngannou to compete outside their promotion, permitting him to box against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua without co-promotion. They could potentially be involved in a historic heavyweight super-fight.
Francis Ngannou Accepts Jon Jones` Challenge for Super-Fight
While not a frequent user of X (formerly Twitter), Francis Ngannou broke his social media silence following Jon Jones` callout to issue a swift response. He effectively accepted the challenge, indicating that both fighters would need to navigate their respective promotional situations.
Jones had initially posted on X:
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 replied:
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.
His response seemingly suggests that both individuals need to secure the agreement of their promotions for the fight to happen. While PFL executives like Donn Davis and Peter Murray have openly expressed their eagerness for this fight, UFC President Dana White presents a more challenging obstacle. White has vowed never to work with Ngannou again following his contentious departure from the UFC in 2023, which saw him vacate the title.
Jon Jones` Callout Draws Criticism Over Aspinall
The significant issue surrounding such a fight is, of course, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The British fighter has been pursuing an undisputed title unification bout with Jones for years, but seems increasingly distant from making it happen.
It now appears Aspinall could be completely sidelined from the title picture in favor of Ngannou, who technically never lost the undisputed championship. In fact, with considerable debate over who holds the legitimate claim to the heavyweight throne between Jones and Aspinall, Ngannou’s status as the lineal champion is often considered the most valid.
Indeed, the Cameroonian has marketed himself using this status in his boxing matches and his single PFL bout last October. He has become a regular competitor in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where lucrative deals have even brought together boxing promoters who previously refused to collaborate.
However, convincing Dana White to reunite with Ngannou, particularly given reports of the UFC CEO’s strained relationship with Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, seems improbable at this moment.
Jones faced heavy criticism and trolling from fans for seemingly ‘ducking Aspinall’ by calling out Ngannou. He later addressed the criticism on X, writing:
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.
