At Madison Square Garden in New York, Jon Jones once again asserted his supremacy in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Facing Stipe Miocic, a veteran regarded as one of the best in history, ‘Bones’ gave his opponent no chance. Over three rounds, Jones dominated every aspect of the fight, finishing with a devastating spinning back kick to the ribs of Miocic, who collapsed before the referee could intervene to stop the massacre. As soon as he was crowned winner, Francis Ngannou immediately sent a message to Jones.
While Jon Jones was able to savour his victory, one reaction was quick to attract attention. Francis Ngannou, now the PFL (Professional Fighters League) heavyweight champion, sent a subtle but defiant message to the UFC champion. On Twitter, the Cameroonian wrote. ‘Jon Jones looked great tonight, congratulations Jonny Boy, I see you’. It was a seemingly courteous message, but it quickly turned into a call for a long-awaited fight between the two heavyweight legends. The Cameroonian even recently let slip in an interview that he absolutely wants to challenge the UFC’s GOAT. “I want the fight with Jon Jones. Give it to me now! I’m in, Jones is in. The only person blocking the fight right now is Dana White,” said Ngannou.
This duel between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou is one of the greatest fantasies of MMA fans. Two styles, two brutal forces, and two outstanding champions, but this clash has been hampered by contractual differences between Ngannou and the UFC. Following his departure from the organisation, Ngannou joined the PFL, a rival league, where he recently defeated Renan Ferreira in an impressive performance. But the transfer has also removed any immediate possibility of a fight between the two giants.
Jon Jones vs Ngannou: a battle of the titans still possible?
Despite the tensions between Ngannou and the UFC, the prospect of a fight against Jon Jones remains tantalising. The two fighters have made no secret of their desire to face each other, and such a clash could become one of the biggest events in MMA history. For now, UFC president Dana White seems reluctant to work with Ngannou after his departure. Negotiations would be complex, but not impossible, if the two parties can find common ground.
For his part, Jon Jones, at 37, continues to dominate the cage and always seems ready for a challenge. After his stunning victory over Miocic, speculation is rife as to his next opponent. A fight against Sergei Pavlovich, the current number one contender at heavyweight, seems the next logical step. Yet the shadow of Francis Ngannou still hangs over the division. The question remains: will the UFC be prepared to put aside its differences to stage this long-awaited clash?
With his declarations, Ngannou has sent out a strong signal: he is ready to return to the centre of the stage to face Jon Jones. But the road to this fight seems to be strewn with pitfalls, particularly on the contractual front. In the meantime, MMA fans can dream of a duel between these two titans. In a sport where the unpredictable reigns supreme, nothing can ever be completely ruled out. The last word could well go to Dana White and his ability to meet the expectations of millions of spectators around the world.
Leave a Reply