Francis Ngannou calls UFC the real culprit in Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall heavyweight debacle: "Nobody really wants to point to the organization"
Francis Ngannou believes the UFC is the real culprit in hindering a title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Since winning the title 265 pounds belt against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, 'Bones' has been waiting for a legacy fight with former champion Stipe Miocic.
This, however, has caused some concerns for Aspinall, the reigning interim champion.
While the Englishman successfully defended the interim strap against Curtis Blaydes earlier this year, with Jones vs. Stipe set for UFC 309 in November, Aspinall's chances for an immediate title shot are slim, although he is the official backup for the bout.
Ngannou however believes it is the promotion that has to be faulted for Aspinall's situation. Talking to SHAK MMA, the PFL star said:
"The only reason why we get here is because the organization makes everything happen, they organize everything. But now I don't think the blame should be on either Jon or Aspinall. Everybody is claiming what's right, but the only thing is that nobody really wants to point to the organization."
Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below (7:27):
'The Predator' added that one cannot blame Jones for wanting a legacy-defining fight, especially considering his retirement plans.
Francis Ngannou says Renan Ferreira is "a little less version" of him
Francis Ngannou is set to make his highly awaited return to MMA against the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira on Oct.19. 'The Predator' is bustling with confidence in the lead-up to the fight and believes himself to a be superior fighter to the Brazilian giant.
Speaking to SHAK MMA about the potential dangers Ferreira could present on fight night, the Cameroonian-born Frenchman proclaimed that 'Problema' is just an inferior version of himself:
"I don't know, he is very athletic, he is very skilled, well rounded. But I think whatever it is, he is a little less than me. He is a little less version of me, I would say."
Ngannou hasn't fought in MMA since his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in 2022, but he has had two lucrative boxing matches since then.
Check out Francis Ngannou's win over Ciryl Gane below:
In comparison, Ferreira has been more active in recent years. He is undefeated since 2023 and is currently on a four-fight win streak.
Watch some of Renan Ferreira's highlights below: