‘In a perfect world, the UFC would like for the winner of the Miocic – Ngannou fight to defend the belt against Jon Jones’ – Ariel Helwani reveals
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There has not been much action atop the heavyweight division, in recent times. Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier 3 was the last high voltage heavyweight clash. Stipe averages one fight a year, while the number one ranked heavyweight contender, Francis Ngannou, averages roughly 30 seconds a year. And, now there is also a new champ in the mix – Jon Jones. The questions that arise are – when will Stipe and Francis fight, against whom will Jon Jones make his heavyweight debut, should he fight another heavyweight in the meantime…
Clarifying the uncertainty existing in the heavyweight division, Ariel Helwani of ESPN MMA stated that the UFC definitely wants Stipe Miocic to defend his title against Francis Ngannou and the winner of it to face Jon Jones.
‘Just don’t tell Israel Adesanya about this plan’ – Ariel Helwani
The UFC wants Stipe Miocic to defend the heavyweight title against Francis Ngannou in March. In fact, UFC representatives met with Miocic recently in hopes of finalizing the title fight. The title fight isn’t a done deal just yet, but that is definitely what the promotion wants, I’m told. In a perfect world, the UFC would like for the winner of that fight to defend the belt against Jones in the summer, sources said.“
Ariel Helwani concluded, “Jones vs. a heavyweight contender is fun, no doubt, but without a belt attached it doesn’t feel as big. Book Miocic-Ngannou in March, hope the winner isn’t too banged up, and then give us Jones fighting for the heavyweight belt this summer. Just don’t tell Israel Adesanya about this plan…“
Would you want Jon Jones fighting the winner of Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou? Or should Jon fight with another lower ranked heavyweight, to find his feet in the new division?
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Gerard Crispin
(3318 Articles Published)