“Another Tony vs Khabib in the Making”: Fans React As Francis Ngannou’s Coach Confirms UFC Is ‘Shooting for March’ Return Against Jon Jones

Francis Ngannou has been distant from the octagon for almost a year now. However, the Cameroonian fighter was still headlining the news circuit because of his contract dispute with the UFC, him being a free agent and, recently, the rumors of him shifting to PFL. But what can the fans exactly expect in what’s next for ‘The Predator’? Well, his coach has an answer for that, and a rather exciting one. The much desired fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones may actually materialize this year and that too, very soon. According to Eric Nicksick, both heavyweight stalwarts who’ve been away from action for quite a good while now may face each other upon their return. But that is something that’s been making the news for quite some time now. And the fans aren’t having it this time.

Fans show zero interest in the potential Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones fight

In an interview with MMAFighting, Ngannou’s trainer Eric Nicksick shed light on the fighter’s comeback and believes that will be against ‘Jonny Bones’. “Obviously they still haven’t announced anything yet with his contract and where they’re at, so 50-50 for me. I’m hoping for this thing, fingers crossed that we can get this deal done.”

Read more: UFC Legend Accuses Francis Ngannou of Not Carrying the “Lineage” of Great Heavyweight Champions Like Muhammad Ali

He also added, if March doesn’t work out, it’ll be in the following months, but there’s a strong possibility for it. “If it’s not March, maybe it’s April or May, or something like that. I do know that they’re shooting for March and that Jon Jones is the opponent. Everything else is out of my hands, but if they tell me, ‘Hey, we’re fighting March 4,’ we’ll have our guy ready, that’s for sure,” said Nicksick.

But given how long this fight has been speculated, the supporters have completely lost hope in it. Check out how the fans responded to this update:

“Let’s calm down jon needs at least another year to bulk”

“Yes or maybe 2040”

“Another Tony vs Khabib in the making”

“Doubt Jon is gonna fight, and I doubt Francis will be in the UFC for too much longer.”

“Francis moves to PFL, just watch.”

“Super tired of hearing about jones comeback. Come back when it’s set and stone. Otherwise shut up already.”

“What kind of champion doesn’t fight for a year and a half. Strip him”

Having said that, other than Francis Ngannou, there are other fighters are vying to face Jon Jones, too. His former adversary is on the hunt for the same pursuit as well.

Ciryl Gane is ‘free’ for Jones

Ciryl Gane has sent a call out to ‘Jonny Bones’ for a fight via Twitter. And interestingly, he’s aiming for the same timeline when Ngannou is rumored to face Jones. That is March.

“Where you at @JonnyBones ? I’m free this March, Vegas 📍”, wrote ‘Bon Gamin’. Well, this puts another hurdle on the fairytale matchup of Ngannou vs. Jones that is already a long-delayed affair.

How do you see this panning out? Will Jon Jones make a comeback this year and face Francis Ngannou at last? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: “There Was Money Taken for Services That Were Not Rendered”: Francis Ngannou Slammed for “Borderline Crime” in 2022