“Dumbest question of the night,” Dana White GOES OFF on journalist for suggesting Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou co-promotion bout

Dana White slams down on Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones promotion talk, reiterating that Ngannou should have stayed in-house for such dream bouts.

“Dumbest question of the night,” Dana White GOES OFF on journalist for suggesting Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou co-promotion bout

Dana White slams down hard on Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou (Source: IMAGO)

UFC 295 featured two spectacular title bouts between elite MMA fighters. At the post-fight press conference, CEO Dana White discussed a variated range of topics. Speaking on Tom Aspinall’s and Alex Pereira’s wins, White was asked about Jon Jones. Aspinall was a short-notice substitution fight for Jones after the latter withdrew due to a torn pectoral tendon.

Francis Ngannou, who made his exit from the promotion early this year, also came up. Ngannou performed spectacularly against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last month. PFL officials pursued this opportunity following the close split decision loss to Fury in his first professional boxing bout, furthering his marketability as a future asset for the organization.

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When asked about a PFL- UFC crossover fight between Ngannou and Jones at the post-fight press conference, White said:

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I’m not interested in that, We tried to make that fight. They didn’t want to do it. It’s done. He doesn’t fight here anymore. I’m not interested. Should I [co-promote with PFL]?” White said. “We’ve got one, two and three [largest gates in Madison Square Garden history], they can’t sell a f****** gate. It’s a stupid question. Why would I do that? I tried to make the fight here. They didn’t want to do it but I should co-promote with a Bellator or a PFL? Why should I do that? You win the dumb question of the night, congratulations sir...

Thus having berated the question and the one who asked it, White promoted the sentiment that Ngannou should have stayed at UFC for the said fight. This is not even the first time he has shut down and shunned the idea. He then shifted focus to Aspinall’s victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

Upon his return and recovery from his injury, Jones is expected to face former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. As for Ngannou, he has considered potential boxing fights, including a rematch with Fury. In MMA, his options are more limited.

Dana White reinforces Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic in the future

Tom Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, with a spectacular and quick knockout. After a triumphant performance, Aspinall now holds an interim heavyweight title. The title was enforced in the absence of undisputed champion Jon Jones, who was to originally compete at UFC 295. However, Jones had to withdraw from the card due to an injury received in training.

Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones
Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones (Source: IMAGO)

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, CEO Dana White has conversely brought on the idea that the lineup remains the same. Aspinall won the interim title, but Stipe Miocic still legitimately remains the opponent of choice. On his recovery and return, Jones is to face off against Miocic. Aspinall, however, has other aspirations. He said in the post-fight press conference:

Right now I’m going to enjoy tonight. But I think we should do Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones in Manchester. That is something special, and I’m sure the UFC are going to be on board with that. That would be special...

Aspinall has his heart set on a fight with Jones. He believes that a unification bout between him and Jones makes perfect sense. The only glitches are that both Jones and Miocic have wished to face each other. Aspinall remains hopeful that his latest victory might stir things up his way.

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