“We Were Working So Hard for That Fight”- Francis Ngannou Says the UFC Didn’t ‘Push’ for a Mega Fight Between Him and Jon Jones

The ‘baddest man on the planet’, Francis Ngannou, earned his monicker after defeating the former undisputed heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in their rematch. However, there was another fight that the Cameroonian yearned for and he blames the UFC for not ‘pushing’ it enough.

In the latest video on his YouTube channel, the ‘Predator’ heaped praise on 205-pound GOAT Jon Jones for his domination inside the octagon for almost a decade. Nonetheless, the 35-year-old revealed that he was working hard for the ‘massive’ fight against ‘Bones’. Jones reflected the effort from his side as well. However, it was the UFC that discarded the idea.

“He’s [Jon Jones] definitely one of the best fighters in the sport, with no doubt. Well, not long ago, we were working so hard for that fight it didn’t happen. I think the UFC didn’t like push that fight. But, yes, that was the fight that we were looking at. That was the fight I was looking at recently and I think he was looking at that fight as well because we believe this will be a massive fight and great for everyone.” Ngannou revealed.

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Since the past couple of years, there have been reports of Jones moving up to capture the heavyweight strap. Following the same, the current titleholder, Ngannou, believed that he’ll be able to meet the GOAT inside the octagon. However, the UFC had other plans and nothing came out of the bout.

Francis Ngannou considers Jon Jones the best strike in MMA 

Francis Ngannou (16-3) may be referred to as the ‘baddest man on the planet’. However, the Cameroonian’s personality differs greatly from what radiates inside the octagon. The ‘Predator’ is a soft-spoken man of culture. He isn’t one who is afraid to praise his opponents. In the same video, Ngannou showered praise on former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. He touted the legend as the ‘best MMA striker’.

“If I’m about to say the best striker for MMA striking, it would still be Jon Jones. But if we go kickboxing style, then I think it will be Ciryl. But for MMA striking, I would give it to Jon Jones. Because, like, with his elbow and all this stuff that he does.. the oblique kick, all those stuff. For MMA, is the perfect striking.” Ngannou declared.

The heavyweight champion is slated to face interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, in a title unification bout. The fight will take place on UFC 270 at Honda Center, Anaheim, California.

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Do you think the winner of Gane vs. Ngannou may face Jon Jones in 2022? Tell us in the comments below.