Jon Jones Doubles Down on Francis Ngannou Super Fight, Clowns Tom Aspinall BJJ Challenge Option

Francis Ngannou to have weak ground game? So would 'hype' game Tom Aspinall, per Jon Jones, who stokes UFC superfight flames.

Jon Jones Doubles Down on Francis Ngannou Super Fight, Clowns Tom Aspinall BJJ Challenge Option

Jon Jones doubles down on Francis Ngannou rather than Tom Aspinall for PPV unifier (Source: X/IMAGO)

Some overnight doses of tweet-spree did not help clarify where Jon Jones stood on PPV Heavyweight title unification. On the one hand, he considers himself levels above Tom Aspinall; on the other hand, he considers his gears slowed down at 37 for Aspinall to be chasing him. If ‘Bones’ returns, he’d return for bigger glory and a legacy retirement. For now, that would be Francis Ngannou.

On Friday, Xtreme Couture coach Eric Nicksick said Francis Ngannou might be open to a UFC return, given how gnarly his 2023 publicized split was. “Predator” now roams the PFL jungles and won the super fight belt vs. Renan Ferreira at the PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ pay-per-view. While he has two outstanding fights left in his contract, Ngannou might just return if it makes sense.

Jon Jones showed renewed interest in it, given that a fight with Francis Ngannou was a hot topic back when.

I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That’s the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view.

Jon Jones via X (@JonnyBones)

Francis Ngannou, with stats of 18-3 MMA, 1-0 PFL, versus Jones has garnered traction everywhere, despite UFC CEO Dana White saying he won’t do business with the Cameroonian ever again. With White not eager on cross-promotion, Saudi GEA boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh, even teased such a Heavyweight scrapper once.

However, fans were quick to point out that the goliath Ngannou has a slowed-down wrestling game that’d be easier to nitpick. Tom Aspinall is a BJJ black belt under his father; per UFC Record books, the 32-year-old also averages the least bottom position time and some of the quickest first-round KOs. “Bones” was having none of the pish posh.

You clowns thinking, Francis would be that much easier because of the ground game. Tom has no ground game either. In English black belt is like getting a participation ribbon.

Jon Jones further said

No matter what is said, it is more than clear that Tom Aspinall could prove to be a proper stiff test to Jones’ longevity through two divisions. Despite him dumbing it down, it also stands to be the best bankable PPV super fight Jones can make, and takes precedence. Even more so than a Francis Ngannou touch-and-go tease. For now, though, the stalling and ducking go on.

Jake Paul has expressed support for Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou’s UFC vs. PFL “super-fight”

Ngannou has never hidden his interest in fighting Jon Jones; it was the latter who sat out more than a year on failed contractual negotiations. However, the bout warrants unprecedented co-promotion. While the PFL is eager, the UFC execs refuses co-promotion because they don’t need to rely on other promotions to earn huge bucks.

Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight gets surprise backing
Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight gets surprise backing (Source: X)

Enter “Problem Child” Jake Paul; Paul has equity stakes in PFL and is soon to debut. He also mediated Ngannou’s PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ pay-per-view media pressers. Paul thinks that Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou’s much-hyped ‘super-fight’ could be the best farewell performance for both.

The perfect final dance for the two greatest MMA heavyweights of all time, …Jon Jones wants it. Francis Ngannou wants it. Big fight for the sport. Big fight for the fans and Big business. Who doesn’t want it?

Jake Paul via X

The potential super-fight has captured the imagination of the combat sports community for long. Both men have eagerly presented and promoted for it since 2023. What happens next or where Tom Aspinall fits in this, is anyone’s guess.

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