“I don’t think I deserve criticism on this,” the American told RMC Sport. “I’m here, and Francis had the opportunity to meet with me, but he turned it down. If anyone should be criticized, it is Francis Ngannou. If I’m not mistaken, he was offered the biggest contract in the history of heavyweight, and he had the opportunity to dethrone me, but Francis did not believe in himself and did not want to take risks.
“I felt sorry for the fans – this is a big fight that people all over the world wanted to see, and I want to believe that one day it will take place. Francis will go into boxing and do what he wants to do, but he will always be welcome to the UFC. This confrontation will always be grandiose, and I will be ready for it.
At the same time, Jones has no doubt that on March 4 at UFC 285 in Las Vegas he will be able to defeat Cyril Gan and win the vacant UFC heavyweight championship belt left by the Predator.
“I will become the new UFC heavyweight champion. Greatness and victory are my inalienable traits, and I have no reason to doubt myself. I believe that they will raise my hand and I will leave the octagon with a championship belt.