Imago
Courtesy : Imago
Imago
Courtesy : Imago
Francis Ngannou is a force to reckon with, not just in the world of MMA, but also in the world of boxing. Ngannou’s recent boxing debut against Tyson Fury has etched his name on the history books. Regardless, there’s a looming question in the debate about Ngannou’s fighting prowess. Will he be able to take on UFC goat Jon Jones?
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Ngannou wanted to fight Jones while he was in the UFC. The Cameroon-French fighter asked Dana White multiple times to provide him with a fight against Jones, but it never came to fruition. Ngannou believes that even Jones wanted the fight, but it was the UFC who didn’t let that happen. Let us understand what Ngannou had to say about the matter.
Francis Ngannou blames the UFC for the Jon Jones fight not happening
Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones had the potential to be an instant PPV blockbuster. So why did the UFC bail on it? Ngannou believes that it was not Jones’s fault, rather, it was Dana White and the UFC who stood in the way.
Ngannou, while having a conversation with The Last Stand podcast, accused Dana White and UFC of not making the fight happen. “First of all, when I was around, Jon Jones wasn’t around,” said Ngannou.
He further added, ” Even three years before, we were negotiating. I was asking for this fight after I fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik. I was pushing so hard for Jon Jones because I knew the UFC was going to make [Daniel Cormier] and Stipe [Miocic] 3, the trilogy of Stipe and DC. So I wanted the Jon Jones fight and they never brought that conversation up.”
“I think we both were asking for it,” Ngannou said, acknowledging Jones. “My reason [it didn’t happen] is the UFC. The UFC’s responsible for this fight [not happening].” Nonetheless, Ngannou still wants Jones as an opponent, but that’s going to require the UFC to come to terms with the reality of things. Meanwhile, fans had a few bold takes about this perpetually eluding heavyweight dream fight.
Fans react to Ngannou’s accusations about the UFC
Francis Ngannou’s accusations against the UFC saw mixed reactions from the fans. Some of the comments of the fans are as follows:-
One fan said that Dana White was just being greedy.
It was Dana being greedy Dana and it’s obvious
— DO IT KELCE! (@RJinKC1) November 15, 2023
Another fan stated that White was cheap, and that’s why they didn’t let that fight happen.
Cause they cheap. 🤣
— Guildedthought (Parody) (@Guildedthought) November 15, 2023
On an opposing note, one fan added that UFC was not trying to lose any money like the Saudis. The super-hyped Fury vs. Ngannou reportedly sold below 70,000 PPV buys in the US.
UFc wasn’t trying to lose 20M’s like the desert people
— DanaGoated (@DanaIsGoated) November 15, 2023
Additionally, one of the fans advised Ngannou to let go and move forward.
Let’s move on. Didn’t happen. Aint gonna happen.
— MightyDroid (@mighty_droid) November 15, 2023
One of the fans took a jibe at Ngannou, pointing out the lack of logic behind his actions.
Francis wanted the fight so badly that he left the ufc, signed with the PFL and went boxing.
— 2023 NBA Champs!! (@AlwaysDB4L) November 15, 2023
Another fan stated that he went for boxing rather than the Jones fight.
You were asking for it but refused a contract that paid $8M for that fight. Francis wanted to box more than he wanted the Jones fight, is what it is
— Stephen (@Stephen83Ewen) November 15, 2023
Last but not least, A fan advised Ngannou that the conversation is irrelevant now.
Why does it matter now? He moved on to boxing and PFL this conversation is irrelevant
— ggscarfacee (@ggscarfacee) November 15, 2023
It can be understood from the reactions from the fans that they are not amused by Dana White or Ngannou. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to witness where their feud goes. What is your take on Francis Ngannou’s accusations? Tell us in the comments below.
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Written by
Edited by
Yeswanth Praveen