Recently, whispers about a showdown between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones caught everyone’s attention. Dana White, the UFC’s no-nonsense president, quickly put an end to these exciting speculations with a blunt statement.
The backstory adds layers of complexity to this narrative. Ngannou, once a dominant UFC heavyweight champion, dramatically left the organization after contentious contract disputes. Jones, a legendary fighter known for his incredible skills and controversial history, had been eyeing heavyweight opportunities. White’s statement was short but definitive.
“Absolutely NOT true. Jon vs Tom”
🚨 Dana White SHUTS DOWN rumors of a potential fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou, and says Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall is the fight to make#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/3L2jB2eCgO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 4, 2024
White‘s intervention revealed another interesting twist. He redirected attention to Tom Aspinall, confirming the British fighter as the next contender. Jon Jones, however, seemed hesitant about facing Aspinall. He believed that such a victory might not significantly enhance his already legendary legacy.
Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou’s recent return to MMA with a knockout win at PFL added more fuel to the speculation. His coach, Eric Nicksick, even publicly challenged Dana White to make the Jones fight happen. The provocative statement suggested that money could potentially motivate this dream matchup.
Francis Ngannou’s Coach Challenges Dana White To Make The Jon Jones Fight
The ongoing saga between Ngannou, Jones, and White has been filled with friction. Eric Nicksick, Ngannou’s coach, recently fired a provocative shot across the bow of UFC’s leadership.
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During a recent podcast, Nicksick called out Dana White with razor-sharp intensity. He challenged the UFC president’s apparent personal vendetta against Ngannou. His challenge was direct and unfiltered, suggesting White should put aside his ego and make the Jon Jones versus Francis Ngannou fight a reality.
“I think that’s the only way really, money talks. I think you put your ego aside if the money moves your motivation enough. At the end of the day, Dana, you think Jon [Jones] is the baddest motherf*cker ever then put him up against Francis. You hate Francis so much, watch him get his a*s kicked. Why not?”
Francis Ngannou left the UFC after a public contract dispute and transitioned to the Professional Fighters League. He’s since won a significant heavyweight match, keeping his legendary status intact. Jones, meanwhile, continues to cement his reputation as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
Also Read: Francis Ngannou Has A Fan-Friendly Response To Jon Jones’ “Duck” Comments
