"We would welcome our heavyweight champion back" - Chael Sonnen tries matchmaking and explains the confusion around Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and Francis Ngannou's next fight
Chael Sonnen has addressed the confusion surrounding Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and Francis Ngannou's upcoming fights. In an edition of Beyond the Fight, Sonnen referenced Jon Jones' recent tweet where 'Bones' stated that he's training for a potential fight against Miocic at UFC 282 on December 10.
Sonnen opined that Miocic is probably dealing with an injury, which is why his fight against 'Bones' might not come to fruition this December.
I’m preparing to fight Stipe December 10 in Las Vegas. Not really sure what’s going on between Stipe and the UFC but I’m ready to compete! I’m going to control what I can and stay in shape. twitter.com/coledillon1874…
Chael Sonnen then addressed undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, his injury hiatus, contract dispute with the UFC, and rumored crossover to boxing. Sonnen pointed out that Ngannou's coach Eric Nicksick recently revealed that the UFC brass called him up and asked who 'The Predator' would like to fight next.
Nicksick informed them that Francis Ngannou would love to face Jon Jones, ideally in March 2023. Chael Sonnen highlighted that Nicksick's assertions hint that Ngannou and the UFC are likely to come to terms on his return. Sonnen stated:
"I would think that's good news. I would think that we would welcome our heavyweight champion [Ngannou] back. I would think that we would be very glad not only to see the performance, not only to see the lineage of that belt, but to know that a human being who was hurt is no longer hurt."
Considering the aforementioned variables at play, Sonnen reiterated that the rumored Jones-Miocic interim UFC heavyweight title fight at UFC 282 is likely off the table. Hence, Sonnen feels the UFC doesn't need to introduce an interim title.
Instead, Sonnen suggested that they could simply book a Jones-Ngannou matchup with the undisputed title on the line and the winner could defend the title against Miocic.
"Now, if Francis is gonna come back, if that is a contract dispute, and he does wanna fight Jon Jones, why would we put Jones with Stipe?"
Watch Sonnen discuss the topic at 8:45 in the video below:
Dana White reveals potential timeline for Jon Jones' UFC comeback
Jon Jones last fought in February 2020, after which he vacated his UFC light heavyweight title in August of that year and has been bulking up for his long-awaited heavyweight debut ever since. Speaking to BT Sport, UFC President Dana White recently revealed that he expects Jones to return no sooner than 2023.
Dana White lauded Jones for his excellence inside the octagon, whilst acknowledging the MMA legend's troubles outside it. He notably emphasized that 'Bones' is one of the greatest fighters ever. Reassuring fans that the UFC is looking to get Jones to make his highly-anticipated comeback soon, White said:
"We're working on getting him back. Hopefully early next year or in the spring."
Watch White's interview below: