Latest news with #Ngannou
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Heavyweight Drama: Jones vs. Ngannou 'Biggest Fight in UFC History'
Heavyweight Drama: Jones vs. Ngannou 'Biggest Fight in UFC History' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While heavyweight MMA legend Francis Ngannou left the UFC on bad terms, there have been rumblings of his potential return to the organization. Recently, his coach Eric Nicksick even hinted that he might be interested in coming back to fight for Dana White, given the UFC heavyweight division's stagnancy towards the top of the rankings. With Jon Jones hinting at retirement rather than face Tom Aspinall, the heavyweight division has been a mess, and the anticipation for a Ngannou return could revitalize a tired narrative of Jones ducking Aspinall. Advertisement The MMA world is again buzzing over a potential superfight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou, with UFC veterans Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo declaring it the "biggest fight in UFC history" on a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast. Feb 15, 2020; Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA; UFC fighter Jon Jones attends the light heavyweight bout between Jan Blachowicz (blue) and Corey Anderson (red) during UFC Fight Night at Santa Ana Star Arena.© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Usman, a former welterweight champion, didn't hold back in his excitement, stating, "I'm telling you right now, the biggest fight in UFC history will be Jon Jones versus Francis Ngannou. I think this is the biggest fight that you can make right now." However, UFC CEO Dana White has shut down the idea, insisting that interim champion Tom Aspinall is next in line for Jones. Advertisement "It's Aspinall's fight," White declared, dismissing Ngannou's return as unlikely. "I don't have Ngannou under contract, and Aspinall is the guy." This stance is the polar opposite of PFL founder Donn Davis, who proposed a "winner takes all" co-promotion in a post on X (formerly Twitter), offering to let the victorious fighter's promotion claim all event profits. Meanwhile, Aspinall remains in limbo, waiting for Jones to commit to their unification bout. With Jones seemingly more interested in Ngannou, the UFC faces a dilemma of forcing Jones to face Aspinall or risk losing the biggest money fight in MMA to a rival promotion. For Jones, it's a chance to cement his legacy against a fellow all-time great. For Ngannou, it's an opportunity to prove he never needed the UFC to dominate. And for fans, it's the dream matchup that's been five years in the making. As Usman put it, this isn't just another fight—it's history. Advertisement Related: Dana White Adds Fuel to Jon Jones Retirement Rumors 'If He Wants to Retire, There's Nothing I Can Do" Related: Jon Jones Doesn't Care If UFC Strips Him of Heavyweight Belt, Says Head UFC Commentator This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tyson Fury backed for Francis Ngannou rematch with very different rules
The pair first went head-to-head in the boxing ring back in 2023 - but a former boxing world champion has called for the two heavyweights to rematch in a different setting British boxing legend George Groves has backed Tyson Fury to rematch Francis Ngannou - but this time in a cage. Ngannou - a former UFC heavyweight champion - made his professional boxing debut against Fury back in 2023. The 'Predator' shocked the world after scoring a knockdown in the contest - but would ultimately end up losing the dust-up on points. The ex-UFC star has only fought once more in the ring - a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2024. Ngannou made the return to the MMA cage seven months later and would go on to knock Renan Ferreira out inside the first round. With the 38-year-old eager to get back in the cage soon, there are no real top contenders for the Cameroon native in the PFL. However, Groves has a unique proposition. The former boxing world champion has called for Fury to rematch Ngannou in the cage following their fight in the boxing ring. In an interview with Action Network, when asked about Fury potentially making a return to fighting, he said: "I think he will come back and fight Anthony Joshua if there are guaranteed purses. "If you are going to fight Joshua, then it has to be soon and maybe they will announce that fight straight after Usyk v Dubois and the winner will still dream of becoming world champion again. But I would like to see Tyson Fury do something different and get in the cage. "I heard rumours of him fighting Francis Ngannou in the cage and that sounds brilliant, I would 100% pay for that. I'm all over that. He's a very good athlete who can chop and change, let's see if he can learn some wrestling or Jujitsu and a bit of defence before putting on some 4oz gloves on and see if he can put Ngannou away." He added: "Francis Ngannou stepped into Fury's domain and give him a run for his money and should've won but Fury got away with it. Let's see if Fury can return the favour by jumping in the Octagon and have a scrap with Ngannou, that's what I would like to see. Fury is past his best as a boxer, but he has not been sitting on the couch for six or seven years. He boxed less than a year ago, is a fit athlete and maybe he's already been in the gym with the cage fighters and the MMA guys. I'd love to see him in the cage next." Fury announced his retirement from boxing earlier this year. However, the 36-year-old has teased a potential return to competition over the last few weeks. While Groves' comments may come as a bit of a shock, the 'Gypsy King' does have some slight experience in the world of MMA. In 2021, MMA star Nick Diaz took to social media to show footage of a training session he did with Fury. The Brit responded by noting how much fun he'd had working on the ground game. Diaz and his brother Nate are both jiu-jitsu experts, and he likely showed Fury the ropes during a gym session. In a comment under the elder Diaz brother's post, Fury said: "Nice bit of rolling around the mat." A year later, Fury's close friend and former training partner Tom Aspinall opened up on training with the boxing icon. He told Sky Sports: 'I've grappled with him [Fury] before. He's interested in it. So, I know he's done bits of grappling, bits of kicks, and all that. He was down in our gym training with Darren Till before, doing kicks on the pads and all that stuff. So, he's definitely got interest in it. I don't know. I'd love to see it, though.'
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Jake Paul calls on UFC to make stunning ‘winner-takes-all' MMA fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou
JAKE PAUL has challenged the UFC to accept a "winner-takes-all" fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Jones is currently the UFC heavyweight champion but appears uninterested in facing No1 contender Tom Aspinall. 3 Francis Ngannou with Jake Paul Credit: X 3 Jon Jones called to fight Ngannou Credit: Getty Ngannou walked out on the UFC in 2022 to sign with rivals the Professional Fighters League and pursue boxing. But Jones, 36, posted: "I'm hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we're talking. That's a real super fight. "A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I've defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. "Not just one legend facing a mouth that's hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. READ MORE IN MMA JON GONE? Jon Jones trolls Dana White and UFC fans as he finally reveals fight plans "That's the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view." Ngannou, 38, responded: "You take care of the UFC, I'll take care of the PFL, and we'll finally find out who's the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT." PFL founder Donn Davis said: "PROPOSAL … WINNER TAKE ALL MMA best heavyweight of all time. @francis_ngannou vs @JonnyBones "Francis Wins … @PFLMMA and Francis split 100% of the event profits Jon Wins … @UFC and Jon split 100% of the event profits." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul - signed to the PFL - chimed in: "The perfect final dance for the two greatest MMA heavyweights of all time. "Jon Jones wants it. Francis Ngannou wants it. Big fight for the sport. Big fight for the fans and Big business. Who doesn't want it?" Jake Paul reveals 'hefty' six-man hit-list of opponents for next fight including Anthony Joshua and world champ Ngannou left the UFC as champion to box Tyson Fury, 36, in 2023 even scoring a knockdown before losing a controversial split-decision. He was then knocked out by Anthony Joshua, 35, in 2024 and returned to MMA the same year to beat PFL's Renan Ferreira, 35. Jones meanwhile is yet to fight since beating UFC legend Stipe Miocic, 42, last November. But UFC boss Dana White talked down the chance of working with Ngannou again despite the allure of a super-fight with Jones. White said: 'It's Aspinall's fight. I mean, we've been talking to this kid about it forever and it's his fight. 'Listen, you can't make people fight, if Jon doesn't want to fight, you can't make him fight. "We can try to make him fight, we can throw things at him that inspire him to want to fight, but we'll figure it out. "I don't have Ngannou under contract and Aspinall is the guy!'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jake Paul calls on UFC to make stunning ‘winner-takes-all' MMA fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou
JAKE PAUL has challenged the UFC to accept a "winner-takes-all" fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Jones is currently the UFC heavyweight champion but appears Advertisement 3 Francis Ngannou with Jake Paul Credit: X 3 Jon Jones called to fight Ngannou Credit: Getty Ngannou walked out on the UFC in 2022 to sign with rivals the Professional Fighters League and pursue boxing. But Jones, 36, posted: "I'm hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we're talking. That's a real super fight. "A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I've defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. "Not just one legend facing a mouth that's hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. Advertisement READ MORE IN MMA "That's the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view." Ngannou, 38, responded: "You take care of the UFC, I'll take care of the PFL, and we'll finally find out who's the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT." PFL founder Donn Davis said: "PROPOSAL … WINNER TAKE ALL MMA best heavyweight of all time. @francis_ngannou vs @JonnyBones "Francis Wins … @PFLMMA and Francis split 100% of the event profits Jon Wins … @UFC and Jon split 100% of the event profits." Advertisement Most read in MMA CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul - signed to the PFL - chimed in: "The perfect final dance for the two greatest MMA heavyweights of all time. "Jon Jones wants it. Francis Ngannou wants it. Big fight for the sport. Big fight for the fans and Big business. Who doesn't want it?" Jake Paul reveals 'hefty' six-man hit-list of opponents for next fight including Anthony Joshua and world champ Ngannou left the UFC as champion to box Tyson Fury, 36, in 2023 even scoring a knockdown before losing a controversial split-decision. Advertisement He was then knocked out by Anthony Joshua, 35, in 2024 and returned to MMA the same year to beat PFL's Renan Ferreira, 35. Jones meanwhile is yet to fight since beating UFC legend Stipe Miocic, 42, last November. But UFC boss Dana White talked down the chance of working with Ngannou again White said: 'It's Aspinall's fight. I mean, we've been talking to this kid about it forever and it's his fight. Advertisement 'Listen, you can't make people fight, if Jon doesn't want to fight, you can't make him fight. "We can try to make him fight, we can throw things at him that inspire him to want to fight, but we'll figure it out. "I don't have Ngannou under contract and Aspinall is the guy!' 3 Ngannou facing off with Jones Credit: PFL Advertisement
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Jon Jones breaks silence on Francis Ngannou as he eyes dramatic UFC return
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has given his take after Eric Nicksick revealed that Francis Ngannou would be open to fighting in the UFC once again Jon Jones has expressed his interest in a super-fight with Francis Ngannou, following rumours that the 'Predator' might make a sensational return to UFC. Ngannou's coach, Eric Nicksick, sparked these rumours when he suggested that his star fighter could be open to competing under the UFC banner once again. In an interview with Home of Fight, the American coach stated that enough time has passed since the 38-year-old left the UFC on bad terms for the two parties to reconcile. He believes that the Cameroonian would be open to this idea, as it has always been about business rather than ego. Nicksick also added that Tom Aspinall is fully deserving of the opportunity to be UFC champion. However, fans have shown their excitement over the possibility of Ngannou's return following these comments. Just hours after the interview went viral online, Jones was quick to share his thoughts and claimed he is still interested in going head-to-head with the 38 year old. In a post uploaded to X -formerly known as Twitter - the UFC heavyweight champion posted: "I'm hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested... now we're talking. That's a real super fight. "That's a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I've defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that's hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That's the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view." In another post, 'Bones' took a dig at Aspinall after fans suggested Ngannou would be an easier opponent for him in the cage. "You clowns thinking, Francis would be that much easier because of the ground game. Tom has no ground game either. In English black belt is like getting a participation ribbon," he wrote. Jones and Ngannou have been exchanging heated words online about a potential fight for several years. The first whispers of a possible showdown between the two emerged back in 2020. After 'Bones' successfully defended his light-heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes, he was keen to step up and challenge for another title. However, the highly anticipated fight never materialised after Jones made a staggering financial demand. In an interview with ESPN, UFC CEO Dana White quashed the speculation, stating: "For the amount of money he's asking for, it's not going to happen. He couldn't be asking for a more absurd amount of money at a worse time," White added. "We have text messages from Jon Jones. It's not like I can't prove that what I'm saying is true because we have text messages. I'll quote him on what he said. He said, 'I want what Deontay Wilder made against Tyson Fury."
