Francis Ngannou knows just as much about Jon Jones’ return as the rest of us.
Fresh off his first career title defense, a unanimous decision over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270, Ngannou has faced speculation about a potential collision with “Bones” almost from the moment he won the title in March 2021.
But since then, the former light heavyweight kingpin has found himself competing more frequently outside of the octagon, whether with the law or users on social media. And that’s why Ngannou can’t be sure Jones will be next if he signs another contract with the UFC.
“I think the first thing we have to know is if Jon Jones is going to fight or not,” Ngannou said on Bruce Buffer’s IT’S TIME podcast. “Because actually, he finds himself a better battle on Twitter than in the octagon.”
Although Ngannou came out as the victor against Gane, he didn’t come out unscathed. “The Predator” revealed in his post-fight interviews just how compromised his knee was, fighting through a torn MCL and damaged ACL in camp. A big July showdown with Jones just isn’t possible with the heavyweight champ undergoing surgery in March.
Even if Ngannou’s current issues with the UFC get resolved by or around December, when he believes his contract will expire, there’s a very real possibility he will have only one fight in 2022. It wouldn’t be anything new for the 35-year-old, however, as he’s only fought once a year dating back to 2019.
Jones, on the other hand, is coming up on the two-year mark for his most recent octagon appearance, a controversial split decision over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on Feb. 8.
Ngannou indicated Jones can wait a little bit longer if he wants to fulfill fight fans’ dreams.
“The past has shown that in the heavyweight division, they can wait for a year for a title defense,” Ngannou said. “We’ve been having one title defense [per year] in the heavyweight division for a long time, so I don’t think that’s the issue.”
TOP STORIES
Deal. Jeremy Stephens will compete in the PFL 2022 lightweight season after signing with the promotion.
Tease. Jake Paul open to Anderson Silva boxing match and Khabib Nurmagomedov MMA fight.
Retirement. Paul Daley’s next fight on May 13 will be his last.
Controversy. Joe Rogan promises to do better after Spotify backlash with Neil Young
Results. “Lil Nog” comes out victorious in his return to the boxing ring.
VIDEO STEW
The MMA Hour.
UFC 270: Thrill and the Agony.
Rizin Confessions
Chael Sonnen reflects on the weekend.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
John McCarthy apologizes to Jake Paul.
Is @JohnMcCarthyMMA giving #JakePaul to much credit or did Jake land a 10-8 round on #DanaWhite @WeighingIn https://t.co/twtx5fUTtJ pic.twitter.com/zNPi1VeAVy
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) February 1, 2022
Curtis Blaydes vs. Ciryl Gane?
A totally Tony Ferguson Monster ad.
“ BahDahdahdah Bah Duhn… BahDahdahdah Bah Duhnnnn Fwah Nah Nah
Nah Mean?!- Champ ️♂️ -CSO- @MonsterEnergy # Stay Reserved #teammonster Back-2-Work Crew ♂️ Open A Can # getsome pic.twitter.com/f8jGLRYzw6— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) February 1, 2022
Pillow fight!
Flashback.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gabriel Benitez (22-9) vs. David Onama (8-1); UFC Vegas 47, Feb. 19
Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC); Bellator Paris, May 6
EXIT POLL
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is Drake Riggs signing off for the day….I guest-hosted the Morning Report, and I’d like to thank everyone for reading! Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
