“Forced Stipe Into Retirement?” – Fans Go Berserk as Francis Ngannou Stripped off Title While Jon Jones Fights Ciryl Gane for Undisputed HW Strap at UFC 285
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 13: Jon Jones speaks to the media during the UFC 247 Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 13, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
If the latest rumors are true, fight fans could be in for a treat as Jon Jones could make his heavyweight debut in March 2023. Despite not fighting for three years, Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut rumors have been heating up lately. Between Francis Ngannou’s contract situation and numerous potential opponents for Jones, everything remained speculations. However, a recent leak may have confirmed the UFC’s plans to welcome the former light heavyweight champion back to the octagon. While unconfirmed, the latest Jon Jones news has created quite the buzz among fight fans already.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 06: Jon Jones of the United States looks on prior to his UFC Light Heavyweight Title bout against Thiago Santos of Brazil at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones defeated Santos by decision. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
According to reports, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas accidentally broke the news when they displayed a banner for an upcoming heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March. The banner has since been taken down and they have made yet no official statements. However, the news has already made headlines and has fans and pros debating the future of the division and its top fighters.
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Jon Jones confirms heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane
In a recent interview, former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones confirmed his upcoming heavyweight fight against Ciryl Gane. ‘Bones’ was speaking after training with former UFC champion Henry Cejudo. The 35-year-old spoke about his decision to train with Cejudo and said he hoped to have him in his corner if their schedules align.
Just spoke with Jon Jones after a training session with @HenryCejudo in Phoenix. He confirms the upcoming heavyweight title fight with Cyril Gane, and also says he plans to have Cejudo in his corner if their schedules align. #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/3ItpnKY4ni
— Michael Wonsover (@The_MDubb) January 14, 2023
The former champion expressed his interest in having Cejudo coach him for his fights and join him in the corner. With the news spreading like wildfire, leading MMA analyst Ariel Helwani shared his thoughts via Instagram.
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Helwani felt sorry for the employee who leaked the news. He also mentioned how the deal with the current champion Ngannou and the champion himself is not 100% at the moment.
Fans had a few interesting reactions to Helwani’s post as well.
- Probably one of the most technical fights we’ll see at heavyweight. Stoked for this one
- Yes! I need this fight to happen!! #teambonesjones
- YES, for the love of God! Please make this happen!!!
- Jon smashes gane
- Let’s fu**ing goo. Gane as Champ would be lit.
- Cyril gane gonna style on bones
- No thanks. Jones v Ngannou or bust.
- Have they just forced stipe into retirement? The UFC heavyweight division is bulls**t
Interestingly, this news has also created many speculations surrounding the future of Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou to be stripped of title?
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Helwani also talked about the promotion potentially stripping Francis Ngannou of his title and making Jones’ debut for the heavyweight title. The UFC has been trying to make this fight for a while now, but several impediments kept popping up.
“If they make this fight on March 4th, it will be for the vacant title. On the table right now is to strip Francis Ngannou of the belt, and make that fight for the vacant title. Again, not 100% just yet, but moving in the right direction.”
Although unconfirmed officially, the news has fans and media buzzing already and the division just got a lot more exciting.
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What are your reactions to the news? Do you think it will be an exciting fight? And what do you think about Ngannou’s future?
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