Francis Ngannou Reveals Turki Alalshikh’s Interest in Jon Jones Super Fight

Former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou talks about his fight with Jon Jones, which almost got scheduled.

Francis Ngannou Reveals Turki Alalshikh’s Interest in Jon Jones Super Fight

Francis Ngannou talks about his fight with Jon Jones, which was in negotiations (via X Imago)

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Before retiring, Jon Jones had a rivalry with Francis Ngannou, yet the dream fight never materialized due to contractual disputes. The Cameroonian-French powerhouse exited the UFC after failing negotiations, leaving fans disappointed as the heavyweight clash remained only hypothetical. Despite uncertainties, the hype never faded, with top fighters and fans constantly calling for the historic showdown.

During his time as undisputed champ, Jon Jones consistently avoided the UK star Tom Aspinall, frustrating fans who wanted the fight booked. Instead, Jones expressed greater interest in a potential clash with Ngannou, keeping the dream heavyweight showdown alive among MMA enthusiasts. Recently, Ngannou revealed that he never actually received an official offer despite much interest.

No, never get up. For sure the UFC don’t want anything to do, don’t want any co-promotion done. Right. Because, I mean, I think even Turki tried to make that fight happen. It didn’t work.

Francis Ngannou via The Ariel Helwani 

Turki Alalshikh has emerged as one of boxing’s most powerful figures, maintaining strong ties with UFC CEO Dana White. He played a crucial role in encouraging White’s entry into boxing, supporting the launch of his latest TKO promotional venture. Reports suggest that Alalshikh was even prepared to pay Jones $30 million to face Tom Aspinall, but Jones declined.

Instead of accepting the fight, Jones chose retirement, sparking accusations from fans that he was avoiding Aspinall’s dangerous challenge. Critics argued that Jones strategically walked away to protect his legacy, leaving unanswered questions about how he would handle the young contender.

Ngannou also addressed the situation, openly sharing his thoughts on Jones’ decision to sidestep Aspinall after months of speculation.

Well, I think maybe that was his own, maybe a maneuver of negotiation. Retirement doesn’t mean anything. If he decides tomorrow that he’s fighting, and that retirement is filed, it means nothing, nobody will stop him. If he keeps training, that doesn’t change anything. So, it might be his strategy, or he might just have enough, which is understandable. 

Francis Ngannou continued.

As Ngannou pointed out, ‘Bones’ has expressed interest in competing at the highly anticipated White House event next year. The possibility remains complicated, considering Jones’ strained relationship with the UFC and the various risks involved in arranging such a fight. Fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Jones ultimately secures the opportunity he desires or faces another roadblock in negotiations.

Has Jon Jones ruined his legacy?

Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, achieving legendary status through unmatched dominance. With fifteen successful title defenses, Jones showcased complete superiority inside the octagon by defeating every challenger that came for his championship reign.

Jon Jones’s UFC legacy has been ruined
Jon Jones’s UFC legacy has been ruined (via X)

By fighting the likes of Maurício Rua, Daniel Cormier, and Dominick Reyes, Jones has conquered three generations of elite light heavyweights. His career represents sustained excellence, longevity, and the ability to adapt against evolving competition, cementing his GOAT legacy. However, his last stint in the UFC was underwhelming as he refused to fight Tom Aspinall. 

Recently, during a QnA, top heavyweight Curtis Blaydes talked about Jones finally leaving the heavyweight division for good. In response, the fans started chanting, “F*** Jon Jones”, to show their annoyance with the former champion. His heavyweight reign was filled with inactivity, which halted the division, ruining others’ momentum.

Apart from his greatness, Jones has often been accused of ducking opponents, notably Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou. Inside the octagon, critics have slammed Jones for dirty tactics, frequently pointing to his controversial eye pokes and questionable techniques. 

Beyond his fighting skills, Jones’ personal life has been marred by controversies, including PED suspensions, misdemeanor arrests, etc. These issues often cloud his legacy, creating heated debates when fans compare him to other legends who maintained cleaner reputations.

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