“I Don’t Need a UFC Title”- Francis Ngannou Confesses to Joe Rogan on Jon Jones Fight Ambitions Despite Multi-Million Dollar PFL Deal

The former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou left the promotion as a reigning champion, leaving the combat fans perplexed. One of the reasons that came to light was his feeling of being trapped in the abyss of constant labor. Prior to his exclusion from UFC, he was supposed to fight against Jon Jones but as per UFC sources, he ducked the fight. Ngannou countered UFC’s claim, asserting that ‘he’ pursued the fight for two years, contrary to their statement.

The Predator’s UFC exclusion ended the speculation of a showdown with Jon Jones, leaving combat fans deeply disappointed.  However, in a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, Ngannou shed light upon his desire to fight the ‘Bones’ and it seems there’s still hope.

“That fight is bigger than the title”- Francis Ngannou ready to face Jon Jones

The 37-year-old fighter is all set to take on the ‘the gypsy king’ Tyson Fury in his upcoming debut in boxing on October 28th. The ultimate ‘Battle of the Baddest’ is set to happen in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.’ But even with a signed multimillion-dollar deal and his busy schedule, The Predator took to the Joe Rogan Experience, to express his desire to face ‘The Bones’.

Ngannou while indulging in a conversation with Joe Rogan, was asked about his opinion on a title fight with Jones. Rogan quoted “But what happens if you beat Jon Jones? You become the UFC heavyweight champion again?”.

Read more: After Francis Ngannou’s PFL Deal, Dana White Goes Ballistic on the Ex-UFC Champ for Ducking Jon Jones – “Wants to Take Zero Risks”

Ngannou responding to this question stated that he only cares about the fight and not about the title. Ngannou stated ” That’s the problem; I don’t know. Maybe he will be a special fight, a special bird, or something. Maybe not like a UFC bird; I don’t know. You know, to be honest, I don’t worry about the title. The title is not what I worry about. I worry about that fight, that challenge, and I wouldn’t care if he was a fight without the title. I don’t need a UFC title “. He further added that if this fight materializes then the fight itself will be bigger than the title. He added in that conversation “That fight is bigger than the title”. 

Francis Ngannou’s strategic move to PFL: A new chapter in his career

After leaving UFC Francis Ngannou had multiple forays to venture into. However, he decided to stay on the side of PFL due to better flexibility. The contract enables Ngannou to pursue boxing alongside being a part of PFL. Ngannou also gains equity as well as leadership roles from this deal. Although he won’t participate in the ongoing 2023 PFL regular season but still gets to shine in the pay-per-view superfight division.

Ngannou plans to debut in boxing this year and return to MMA in mid-2024. Ngannou’s decision to leave UFC was attributed to his attempt to make a better provision for fighters and add more flexibility to his contract. Despite UFC’s offer to make him the highest-paid heavyweight fighter, Ngannou wanted an opportunity to foray into the world of boxing which the UFC didn’t like. Now, with his contract with the PFL, Ngannou has again entered an exciting phase in his career after UFC.

What are your thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s strategic shift to the PFL? Who do you think would emerge victorious if Francis Ngannou fought against Jon Jones? Do share your opinions in the comments below.

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