Before the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall clash, the MMA world was abuzz with the desire to witness Jones take on Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, and Jones, making his move to the heavyweight division, seemed destined for a monumental showdown. However, the fight never materialized due to a fallout between Ngannou and the UFC.
Ngannou’s contract negotiations with the UFC hit a roadblock, leading to his departure from the promotion after his fight against Cyril Gane at UFC 270. The rift between Ngannou and the UFC, coupled with Jones’ absence from the octagon, dashed hopes of what could have been a historic matchup.
Amidst the disappointment, a ray of hope emerged when PFL founder Donn Davis extended a $50 million offer to Jones to face Ngannou in a cross-over super-fight. Despite initial interest shown by Jones, no significant progress has been made towards actualizing the bout, leaving many to believe that the opportunity has passed.
In an exclusive interview, 2022 PFL light heavyweight tournament winner Rob Wilkinson shared insights on the potential UFC-PFL crossover and the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown. Wilkinson expressed uncertainty about the match materializing, citing the complexities involved in negotiations and the lack of motivation from Jones’ end.
Currently, Jones remains in talks with the UFC regarding a fight with interim opponent Aspinall. While initial discussions seemed promising, recent developments indicate that Jones has not committed to the bout, raising questions about his future in the sport.
Speculation surrounding Jones’ reluctance to return to the octagon has fueled doubts about the possibility of a clash with Ngannou. Despite the UFC meeting Jones’ demands, the heavyweight champion’s apparent disinterest in competing suggests a potential retirement, further diminishing hopes of a Ngannou-Jones showdown.
One of the main obstacles hindering the Ngannou-Jones bout is UFC President Dana White’s reluctance to allow the fight to happen. Given Jones’ contractual obligations with the UFC, any potential matchup with Ngannou would require the promotion’s approval, a scenario White is unlikely to endorse.
As Wilkinson highlighted, the PFL’s eagerness to host the fight contrasts with the UFC’s lack of incentive to make the matchup a reality. With the PFL positioning itself as a formidable competitor to the UFC, a Ngannou-Jones crossover bout would serve the former’s interests more than the latter’s.
In conclusion, while fans continue to yearn for the spectacle of a Ngannou-Jones showdown, the intricate dynamics of the MMA landscape, coupled with business interests and contractual obligations, make the realization of this dream fight increasingly improbable. The saga of missed opportunities and unrealized potential serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the world of combat sports.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- Wladimir Klitschko was in talks to make boxing return after 7 year absence against Daniel Dubois for The IBF Heavyweight Title on the upcoming February 22nd Saudi Riyadh Season Card. Talks ended up falling through when Mike Tyson showed off a poor performance against Paul in their clash 2 weeks ago.
- Future UFC and Bellator champions Jiří Procházka and Vadim Nemkov clashed in the semi-finals of the 2015 RIZIN Heavyweight Grand Prix. The frantic pace took its toll, with Nemkov retiring after the grueling 10-minute opening round.
- Clash of the Heavyweights (Comic by me)