Francis Ngannou says Jon Jones fight "probably will never happen" due to 'Bones' new UFC contract
Jon Jones' heavyweight debut was initially expected to take place against Francis Ngannou. However, the latter's departure from the UFC prevented the fight from being finalized. 'The Predator' recently shared that while he wanted to face 'Bones,' he doesn't believe it will ever happen again.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former heavyweight champion shared that he was not surprised by the outcome of Jones' heavyweight debut:
"I knew that if Jon shows up in a good space mentally - not like his last two fights - he's going to prevail in this fight, but I didn't see this fight being so short... That was quite a great performance from Jon. Not very surprising because I knew that if I could out-wrestle Ciryl, Jon would be another story. He would have a hard night if Jon could lay hands on him."
Francis Ngannou then shared that a potential clash with Jon Jones is unlikely to happen by saying:
"The fight that I would have liked to have, but unfortuantely we are not there. That fight didn't happen and probably will never happen now that he's on a very long contract with the UFC so that's not happening anymore."
Check out Francis Ngannou's comments on Jon Jones below (starting at the 5:24 mark):
While Ngannou was reportedly in talks to be the opponent for Jones' heavyweight debut, 'The Predator' vacated the title and left the UFC altogether following disagreements during contract negotiations. Following Ngannou's promotional departure, 'Bones' faced Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title and picking up a dominant first-round submission victory.
Ahead of Jon Jones' heavyweight debut, Dana White discussed Francis Ngannou
Despite no longer being with the UFC, Francis Ngannou was a big topic this weekend as many believe 'The Predator' is the only mixed martial artist who can challenge Jon Jones at heavyweight. Leading up to UFC 285, UFC President Dana White shared that the doors are not open for the former heavyweight champion to return:
"We negotiated with him for years. It's over. That's over. He'll never be in the UFC again."
Check out Dana White's comments on Francis Ngannou below:
Dana White says Francis Ngannou will never be in the UFC again.
https://t.co/vfjpAaWVbt
Although White has gone back on his word previously, it is unclear if he will budge on his stance as Ngannou's departure was not tied to money. 'The Predator' shared that he requested that fighters have the ability to sign sponsorships, receive healthcare benefits, and have a representative present during board meetings. Additionally, the former heavyweight champion wanted the opportunity to participate in boxing matches but was willing to put that request on hold if other demands were met.
While it is unclear if Ngannou and Jones will face one another in the future, the former took to Twitter to congratulate 'Bones' on his performance while labeling himself the heavyweight king.
Good job Jonny Boy 👍
Sincerely,
The heavyweight king