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We believe that you are already a little bored with the "soap opera" between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, but the story still has not been resolved. Not only is there no resolution, but there has been a new potential plot. Francis Ngannou has also joined the story. Let's start in order.
It all started with Eric Nicksick doing an interview for Home of Fight. Nicksick has been one of Francis' trainers for years, and in the aforementioned interview, this famous American MMA trainer revealed that there is a possibility of Francis' return to the UFC.
- I know that Francis is trying to get a match against Deontay Wilder and if that is something that is coming, great. But, I have the impression that the heavyweight division is in disarray and if we can somehow return, there are a lot of options for Francis. Not only in the UFC, but anywhere. However, I think Francis can fill the hole that the UFC has in the heavyweight division when it comes to stars. I believe that enough time has passed now and I would like to see Francis and the UFC iron things out, and then Francis' return to the UFC. - Nicksick began.
Many remember how Francis and Dana White did not part on good terms, and often fired "poison arrows" at each other through the media and social networks. However, Nicksick believes that Ngannou does not take such things personally and that his focus is only on the business side.
- This is much more about business than ego, at least on Francis's part. He wants the opportunity to be well paid. Also, he does not want to be in a position where he is forbidden from doing boxing matches and things like that. He left the UFC for this, he did everything he wanted and made a lot of money and proved that he can do it. But what motivates him now? If we talk about motivation, then money is not the only factor, but also competition. The best competition is in the UFC - added Nicksick, hinting that a return to the UFC could also mean a return to Francis' motivation.
Dana White
In the continuation of the interview, Nicksick also called on Dana White to forget what happened and leave his ego somewhere outside of this story. The famous trainer pointed out that Ngannou would certainly add value to the UFC's heavyweight division and take on the role of the biggest star.
Nicksick's statements quickly reached Jon Jones, who has been quite active on social media in recent days. "Bones" often provokes Aspinall by delaying the contract for the match, and Nicksick's statements about Francis' potential return to the UFC came as a surprise to Jones.
"I hear Francis Ngannou is still interested. Now we can talk. It's a real 'super fight'. A clash of champions, not just 'hype'. He held the UFC belt, and I defended mine for almost ten years. Two kings who come from different paths. This is not a match where a legend would face a 'barker' who is on the rise right now (referring to Aspinall, ed.). This would be a clash of two legacies. It's the type of fight that adds value to my story. At least from my perspective.", Jones said via X.
Jon Jones later added another "tweet" in which he somehow compared Aspinall and Ngannou, but he also insulted the entire English BJJ scene.
"You clowns think Francis would be an easier opponent because of the groundwork. Tom doesn't have any groundwork either. In England, a black belt is like getting a consolation prize," wrote "Bones".
What's interesting about this story is that Jones once avoided Francis Ngannou, much like he's currently avoiding Aspinall. Jones waited three years, supposedly preparing for a transition to heavyweight, but in reality he successfully avoided a fight with Ngannou and waited for more favorable conditions to win the heavyweight belt. Now that Ngannou is out of the UFC, Jones says he'd love to fight him.
English (US) ·