"Make it happen" - Francis Ngannou gives green light to Joe Rogan's idea for Jon Jones fight in UFC-PFL crossover event
Francis Ngannou has revealed he is open to facing Jon Jones, after Joe Rogan floated the idea of a UFC-PFL crossover event in the future.
Ngannou and Jones were expected to face each other in the UFC in 2023, when 'The Predator' was the heavyweight champion at the time. Their potential bout fell through, however, after the Cameroonian failed to agree to a new contract with the promotion and was stripped of his title as he became a free agent.
After leaving the UFC, Francis Ngannou went on to sign a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighter's League (PFL) as well as make his professional boxing debut. He has now faced Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
One thing that Ngannou still wants, however, is an MMA showdown against Jones.
Speaking on episode #160 of the JRE MMA Show, Rogan and Ngannou discussed the potential bout, where the UFC commentator threw out the idea of the UFC and the PFL doing a crossover event in Saudi Arabia. Rogan said:
"One of the things that has been discussed, apparently the UFC might be open to because the Saudi's throw around so much money, is the potential of a joint promotion. A cross-promotion with you [Ngannou] vs. Jon Jones. That's what the world wants to see."
Ngannou responded:
"Let's make it happen... That's what I wish. But in this place, this takes a lot more than what I want and what I wish."
Catch Rogan and Ngannou's comments here (33:25):
Francis Ngannou blames alleged shady tactics for defeat against Anthony Joshua
Francis Ngannou believes a series of logistical and psychological setbacks contributed to his second-round KO defeat at the hand of Anthony Joshua earlier this year.
Back in March, 'The Predator' was planning on putting on another stellar display against Joshua after he stunned the world with his performance against Tyson Fury the year prior. Unfortunately for the MMA star, it didn't go to plan as Joshua put on a one-sided beatdown, knocking Ngannou out cold in the second round after dropping him multiple times.
Ngannou then discussed the loss during the same JRE MMA Show interview, where he revealed there were certain incidents that happened that led to his lackluster performance. He said:
"Even at that time, I didn't know what was happening. It was after everything that I was like what's going on? I got to the point where I was like so tired... I was in the locker room hitting mitts, and I [sat] down, and I felt asleep. I told Eric Nicksick, 'Bro, I feel asleep, something's wrong."
Catch Francis Ngannou's comments here (15:45):