Stipe Miocic snubs Jon Jones as ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ for The Predator; “Bones” chimes in
UFC HW Jon Jones has two words for Stipe Miocic, who just dubbed Francis Ngannou the 'Baddest Man on the Planet.'
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Jon Jones reacts to Stipe Miocic picking Francis Ngannou as the better heavyweight (Source: X/IMAGO)
Former UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic is something of an expert when it comes to heavy-handed opposition in the division. Now that he has gone up against both Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones at the 265-pound limit, Miocic makes an informed choice.
Miocic defeated Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 in early 2018. However, he fell prey to “The Predator” in their rematch at UFC 260 a couple of years later. On the other hand, Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic via a vicious third-round TKO at UFC 309. Despite that, the retired Cleveland native chooses the ‘Predator’ and his KO power as the bigger threat.
You know, [Ngannou has] got great power, …He’s getting better every fight. With Jones, he’s one of the best of all time, if not the best of all time. He’s just smart, real tricky. But with Francis, he always comes with a good game plan. He’s got thunder in his fists, so that’s a tough fight… I think Jon would keep his distance; …I would go Francis, just because he’s tearing it up, …He’s doing great with his boxing. I would go Francis.
Stipe Miocic to The Schmo via the Schmozone Podcast (@theschmo312) at the Treasure Chest Casino
Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou were in talks to fight under the UFC banner a couple of years ago. But “Bones” quit the sport in protest at his fighter compensation and low contract. “Predator” eventually sailed off to new hunting grounds for the boxing-friendly PFL.
Jones would later return to claim the heavyweight crown at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane. The first title defense vs. Stipe Miocic came at UFC 309 in MSG. Still aspirant of this money fight, Jones douses two words, agreeing with the rival.
The PFL kicks off the World Tournament on the 3rd of April at Universal Studios in Orlando. Francis Ngannou, with two fights left, might need to defend his PFL Super Fight belt; heavyweight is a featured division after all. If he goes free agency after this, Ngannou vs. Jones might still be possible.
GOAT vs. Predator: Biggest fights to make at heavyweight
The biggest 265-pound fight right now is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. The Brit, the fans, and even UFC boss Dana White have passively clamored for it. Aspinall has been working up for a HW title unification for almost two years now.
On the night of UFC 309, White stated that he was not going to put the division on hold forever. However, Jones has been very adamant about unification against a rowdy Aspinall. He even boldly demanded “f—k you” money to consider unifying with Aspinall. However, some 2020-onward UFC/MMA purists still consider “Bones” vs. Francis Ngannou as the true dream fight at heavyweight.
PFL heavyweight champion Ngannou (18-3; 1-0 PFL) was once capable of facing Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC). But Jones went on a three-year transition hiatus as the money wasn’t enough. White and Co. has also been sketchy about cross-promoting with Ngannou and outside forces. However, the Cameroonian has been hyping it up like never before.
Blessings make haters uncomfortable, but they can't change it.
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) November 30, 2024
There's only one fight, the right fight that will multiply your blessings.#NgannouVSJones https://t.co/7HhNDM4OD6
UFC 309 opened the floodgates on Jones where fans instigated unification against Aspinall. Jones clarified two fights in four years is not ducking; it’s a blessing where someone like him is still the biggest name and a GOAT in the sport. Francis Ngannou said why not double that blessing?
PFL Execs Donn Davis and Peter Murray have often readily cross-promoted the idea of Ngannou vs. Jones. But UFC won’t play ball. If and when they both find a suitable freedom or free agency, a legacy bout might just still be possible in 2025 and onwards.
Related: Loud NYC crowd taunts Jon Jones after Dana White confirms Tom Aspinall’s next shot
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