As former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou gears up for his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira, he wants to clarify one thing – he did not duck a fight with Jon Jones. Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s claims that the fight never materialized because Jones “didn’t want the fight,” Ngannou insists that it was not the case. In fact, he reveals that he actively pursued the fight with Jones multiple times, only to be met with roadblocks from the UFC’s end.
Following his last UFC fight against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, where he defended his heavyweight championship, Ngannou was sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery. Talks of a potential superfight with then-light heavyweight champion Jon Jones surfaced, but negotiations hit a standstill when Ngannou and the UFC couldn’t come to terms on a new deal after his contract expired in December of that year. This eventually led to Ngannou being stripped of the title in January 2023 and becoming an unrestricted free agent shortly after.
Ngannou acknowledges that while the person in control of the narrative can shape the story, the reality is different from what has been portrayed. He emphasizes that he did request the fight with Jon Jones, but he was not willing to be trapped into a new UFC deal that he was not comfortable with. This sheds light on the complexities of fighter negotiations and the power dynamics at play within the organization.
After parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou signed a multifight deal with the PFL in May 2023, which also allowed him to explore his interest in boxing. His boxing debut against then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023 ended in a controversial split decision loss, but Ngannou’s ability to knock Fury down in the third round surprised many. Subsequently, a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2024 showcased Ngannou’s willingness to take on new challenges outside of MMA.
Despite his ventures into boxing, Ngannou remains focused on his return to MMA with the upcoming fight against Ferreira on Oct. 19. However, he does express interest in continuing his boxing career, including a potential rematch with Fury, who is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. This demonstrates Ngannou’s versatility as an athlete and his willingness to explore various combat sports to showcase his skills.
Francis Ngannou’s journey from the UFC to PFL and boxing has been a tumultuous one filled with challenges and opportunities. While his fight with Jon Jones may have never materialized due to contractual issues, Ngannou’s determination to succeed in different domains highlights his resilience and adaptability as a fighter. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans can expect to see more of Ngannou’s immense talent and competitive spirit in the world of combat sports.
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