“Just too dynamic,” Former UFC title challenger gets honest about a potential fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones

Anthony Smith is a veteran MMA fighter with a record of 37-18. Recently, he went on record to break down the potential matchup between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. “The Predator” shocked the world by knocking down Tyson Fury in their boxing matchup. Since then, many people think that he would’ve beaten ‘Bones.’ However, Smith stayed unbiased in his prediction.

In a conversation with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour show, Anthony Smith said Jon Jones was too dynamic. Smith is known for analyzing fights for the ESPN. His analysis of Jones vs. Ngannou relied on the nature of Jones as a fighter. Here is what he said:

Jon's just too dynamic. It's not about can you outstrike Jon, it's can you not let Jon neutralize you. It's not about the wrestling, it's him neutralizing how good you are. You just go to where you're the best and he'll neutralize that...He's very unique.

Anthony Smith via The MMA Hour

‘Lionheart’ fought Jon Jones back in 2019 for the light-heavyweight title. Jones got a convincing unanimous decision win in that fight. However, controversies arose due to Jones hitting Anthony Smith with an illegal knee in the fourth round. But Smith continued the fight despite that and lost the decision. Smith’s experience with Jones remains the reason why he picked the current heavyweight champion to defeat Francis Ngannou in a MMA bout.

Currently, Anthony Smith is 35 years old and has fought more than 50 MMA fights in his career. Unfortunately, he couldn’t capture the UFC gold in his whole career. Now, he has a win over Ryan Spann in his last fight after having a two-fight skid. On the other hand, Jon Jones has got hold of the heavyweight title and is now injured ahead of his fight with Stipe Miocic.

Jon Jones injured before his first heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones was supposed to fight Stipe Miocic in a legacy matchup this weekend. This was scheduled as the main event of UFC 295 and was taking place in the mecca of fighting, Madison Square Garden. But, just a couple of weeks before the fight, Jones got injured in the gym and had to pull out. MMA fans were highly disappointed.

Jon Jones tore his tendon, which connects the pec muscle to the shoulder, according to Dana White. Jones underwent surgery soon after and posted a message on Instagram citing that he would return and face Stipe Miocic.

Since the Jon Jones-Stipe Miocic fight was canceled, Dana White put forth a fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. This fight is going down as the co-main event of UFC 295. The winner of this fight will be crowned as the heavyweight interim champion. Further, they would have a high chance to fight Jon Jones for the undisputed title.

In case you missed it:

• “If you didn’t misspeak, then you misled,” Legend Chael Sonnen reveals why he feuded with the famed MMA journalist
• “Can’t imagine riding a fu**ing bull,” Joe Rogan recalls urging Fear Factor producers to skip the bull riding task

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW