Francis Ngannou is open to a future fight with Jon Jones but is currently focused on other priorities, including his upcoming boxing match against Tyson Fury and his shift to a professional boxing career.
Francis Ngannou, at an open workout media scrum in Las Vegas prior to his boxing match with Tyson Fury, was taciturn about Jon Jones, his potential MMA rival, currently the UFC heavyweight titleholder. Ngannou, who discontinued his association with UFC to venture into free agency, had previously vacated that same title in January of this year. Ngannou voiced his continued interest in a potential match with Jones, although he’s now associated with PFL and focusing on his pro boxing career. Despite Jones having recently signed a long-term deal ensuring his stay in the UFC, Ngannou has not ruled out the possibility of their paths crossing in future.
Regarding a fight with Jones, Ngannou stated his sentiment clearly. “I don’t feel like I need, I feel like I want. I want, it’s not a need,” he said. On the topic of how he measures up to Jones, considered one of the best light heavyweights in history and a dual-division UFC champion, Ngannou expressed his belief that idle talk would not give a definitive answer. Responding to inquiries in this area, Ngannou confidently challenged, “Put us in the octagon and you will find out.”
As Ngannou gears up for his pro boxing debut, Tyson Fury is on the docket for October 24. In the meantime, Jon Jones will participate in his inaugural heavyweight title defense against two-time champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. Ngannou faced Miocic twice previously, the first time suffering a unanimous decision loss at UFC 220. However, he was triumphant in their second meeting, delivering a brutal knockout in the second round at UFC 260 to claim the heavyweight title, and he has faith in Miocic’s ability to hand Jones a tough fight.
Ngannou might seem rather dismissive of any Jones-centric conversation, but this could be chalked up to his current focus on the most formidable challenge of his fighting career—his upcoming match with Fury, who is undefeated in 34 pro boxing bouts and has served numerous knockouts. Ngannou, possessing a fearsome reputation himself, has some believing he stands a chance based on sheer force alone, but he doesn’t plan on only relying on brute strength to surprise Fury.