Francis Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic in an emphatic fashion to become the new UFC heavyweight champion at UFC 260. Speculations regarding his next fight have already begun as fans want to see him defend his belt against the former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani recently,’ The Predator’ said, “I don’t know what exactly has happened between Jon Jones and the UFC. But I think there’s something wrong and I also think he’s handled it maybe in a little wrong way. But I don’t know what’s happening. Listen, that’s not my business. There’s a lot of contender ready to fight and there’s a lot of fight here.”
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However, there have been some issues between the UFC and ‘Bones’ as both parties look to decide the terms of payment between them. Jones wants to be compensated well enough in his much-anticipated heavyweight debut. But the UFC is holding on to their own as well. As of now, both parties are far from settling on a solution.
Ngannou doesn’t want to be a part of those controversies. He would love to fight Jones next but doesn’t feel he is obligated to wait and will welcome other contenders. Needless to say, he is just coming off a great win over the consensus greatest heavyweight of all time. And also as a champion, he is not bound to fight anyone and should move on with his career.
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Who should be next for Francis Ngannou?
Apart from a potential fight against ‘Bones‘, ‘The Predator’ has Derrick Lewis ready to fight him. The trilogy against Miocic is bound to happen at some point too. The new champion doesn’t lack opponents. He also indicated his desire to fight two more times this year. So, the Cameroonian looks set for a quick turnaround.
That might not be the case if he looks to wait for Jones. The former light-heavyweight champion looked certain to clash against the winner of the UFC 260 main event. But recent disputes haven’t been positive indications of that happening. Rather, the signs are that the chances of Ngannou fighting someone else are much higher.
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Is Jon Jones next for ‘The Predator‘? If not, then who? Let us know.