“Not the UFC”- Dashing Dana White’s Hope for a Jon Jones Fight, Francis Ngannou Sets Date for Huge PFL Debut

Francis Ngannou and Dana White do not like each other. Although initially smitten with Ngannou, White and the UFC fell out with ‘The Predator’ over issues of fighter pay, health insurance, and personal sponsorships for fighters. Following months of tension, Ngannou departed from the promotion earlier this year as his contract expired.

He signed with the PFL a few months later, citing their fighter-first approach as one of the main reasons for doing so. Another reason he chose PFL was because they allowed him to box outside the promotion even while under contract. And the Cameroonian took full advantage of this clause. He is already scheduled to box heavyweight champion Tyson Fury this year. And he gave an update on his preparations for the Fury fight as well as the potential timeline for his PFL debut.

Francis Ngannou talks about preparations for Tyson Fury fight

Talking to TMZ sports, Francis Ngannou said that he was looking forward to his bout against Tyson Fury on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will not be an exhibition, but a professional 10-round boxing match under the Marquess of Quensberry rules complete with three ring-side judges. He told the interviewer that he would be training hard nine weeks from the fight.

 “I’m very excited about that fight [against Tyson Fury]. I’m getting ready. We’re still like 9 weeks out so good amount of time to get those hands fast and strong,” he said.

Ngannou talks about upcoming PFL debut

On being asked about whether he was ready to return to the UFC, he corrected the reporter. Ngannou was the UFC heavyweight champion when he left the UFC, defeating Ciryl Gane by decision at UFC 270. He indicated he might return to the Octagon for his new promotion in February or March next year.

“Not the UFC, to the PFL, remember? Yeah, PFL is where I am at. I’m at PFL now see you at PFL in February or March,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports.

Read More – “I Am Not a Good Guy for the UFC”- Francis Ngannou Opens Up About the Favoritism Shown to Ciryl Gane in the Lead-Up to UFC 270

It is unclear who Ngannou will fight in his debut at the PFL. But the fight fans have eagerly been waiting for is a clash between current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Ngannou, the lineal heavyweight champion of the UFC.

However, seeing as Jones has signed an 8-fight deal with the UFC in 2023, it is safe to assume that he will be playing out the rest of his fighting career in the promotion. And, given the animosity between Dana White and Ngannou, the chances of Francis re-signing with the UFC are slim. Hence, an Ngannou – Jones fight might remain elusive.

WATCH THIS STORY: What Was Joe Rogan’s Amazing Gesture for Brittney Palmer?