Francis Ngannou‘s head coach, Eric Nicksick, still dreams of a fight between Ngannou and Jon Jones, despite the need for co-promotion between the UFC and PFL and the UFC’s lack of financial need to do so.
Francis Ngannou’s stunning debut in professional boxing has opened up a world of opportunities for him to choose his next opponent. However, there is one name that seems to be out of reach – UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Despite their long-standing rivalry, a fight between Ngannou and Jones has yet to materialize due to various factors such as injuries, time off, and contract negotiations. Ngannou’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, still dreams of seeing his fighter take on Jones, considering him to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
Nicksick expressed his desire for the Ngannou-Jones fight, stating that he wants to compete against the best and put an end to the speculation about who is the true “baddest man on the planet.” However, co-promoting the fight with the PFL would be necessary, which the UFC has typically been reluctant to do. The organization has seen record profits and revenue in recent years, making it financially secure and less inclined to collaborate with external promotions.
Despite the challenges, Nicksick believes that a collaboration between the UFC and the PFL for this dream fight is not impossible. He suggested that both promotions set aside their egos and make it happen for the sake of the fans and the fighters involved. Nicksick even proposed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the venue for the fight, envisioning a sold-out event with high pay-per-view buys.
Nicksick also emphasized that it would be an opportunity for the UFC to rectify losing Ngannou to free agency without gaining anything in return. Co-promoting the fight would not only benefit all parties involved but also showcase the promotion’s willingness to adapt and collaborate in the ever-evolving combat sports landscape.
While it remains to be seen whether the UFC would entertain the idea of co-promotion, Nicksick believes that if the business and logistical aspects align, it would be prudent for the promotion to set aside its ego and seize the opportunity. Ultimately, he hopes that Dana White and the UFC can prioritize the greater good and make the dream fight a reality.