Francis Ngannou became the UFC heavyweight champion at UFC 260, knocking out Stipe Miocic in an emphatic fashion. Many believe Jon Jones is next for ‘The Predator’ in his first title defense. The former light-heavyweight champion, ‘Bones’, is currently preparing for a move up to the heavyweight division of the UFC.

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Jones will get a title shot upon his debut in the division- that has been the consensus belief. However, there are some negotiation issues rising between him and the UFC. This can hamper the progress of the fight being scheduled. Nevertheless, we take a look back at the time when Jones met Ngannou in a gym.

Wakanda forever,” said Jones jokingly while meeting Ngannou. “I had to do it. That’s Ngannou right there. My man. King Ngannou,” he further added as both men shared some smiles and greetings.

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The video is not recent. However, it has been trending on social media as a potential fight between the duo is being discussed.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: (R-L) Francis Ngannou of Cameroon kicks Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

‘Ngannou dethroned Miocic in an almost flawless performance. The Predator‘ showcased a rejuvenated version of himself. His takedown defense and patient approach were the keys to his triumph. Options are plenty for Ngannou’s next fight- he can choose between Miocic, Derrick Lewis, or Jones, .

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Is Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou next?

Jones has already said that the UFC will have to compensate him good to set up a fight against Ngannou. ‘Bones’ is perhaps the greatest fighter to ever grace the Octagon. So, it’s understandable why he wants to be compensated like that. But the UFC has held on to their own too, prompting a difference between the two sides.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: Jon Jones in his fight against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

But every fan wants to see the super fight happen. Whether Jones can solve the scary puzzle, that is Ngannou, is an intriguing question. One will never know it until both collide inside the Octagon. So, the promotion should settle their difference with their most successful champion ever and set up the clash.

The fight is also guaranteed to generate insane pay-per-view numbers. So, it’s a win-win situation for almost all parties involved, one might assume.

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Should Jones fight Ngannou next? What did you make of their meeting?

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Apratim Banerjee

1,260 Articles

Apratim Banerjee is a senior UFC author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters. Dan Henderson’s brutal knockout against Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in 2009 is one of his earliest memories of the sport. He has never missed a UFC PPV or a Fight Night since, which speaks volumes about his wealth of MMA knowledge. Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Conor McGregor are some of his favorite fighters. Apart from this, Apratim plays soccer in his free time and loves scoring long-distance goals.

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