Francis Ngannou’s Post-Fight Comments and Future Fight Prospects
On Saturday night, MMA enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling moment as Francis Ngannou returned to the octagon. He showcased his dominance by defeating Philipe Lins in the first round during the Rousey vs. Carano card. The fight was a testament to Ngannou’s continued prowess in the sport.
After the bout, ringside reporter Ariel Helwani posed questions to Ngannou about his future fight prospects. Two names came up: Jon “Bones” Jones and Jake Paul. While it seemed that Ngannou had a preference for one over the other, both potential fights face significant hurdles before becoming a reality. Notably, Jones is still under contract with the UFC despite having retired.
Here’s what Ngannou had to say about both fighters and whether these matchups could even happen.
What Did Francis Ngannou Say About Jon Jones?
Following his first-round knockout victory over Lins, Ngannou received the microphone for his post-fight interview. During this session, Helwani pointed out Jones standing nearby and asked Ngannou for his thoughts on the former champion. The Cameroonian fighter expressed his desire to share the cage with Jones one last time before both retire from MMA.
Ngannou remarked, “He should be watching what I’m doing and learn. Figure it out and come make this fight.”
Despite being no longer affiliated with the UFC due to a 2023 contract dispute, Jones is still technically under contract with Dana White’s organization. For Ngannou and Jones to meet in the ring, either Ngannou would need to be reinstated into the UFC—which seems unlikely—or Jones would have to find a way out of his current contract.
What Did Francis Ngannou Say About Jake Paul?
Ngannou also shared his views on Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). According to Ngannou, Paul is not truly running MVP and is merely a “blah blah blah guy.” In a tweet, Ngannou referred to Paul as a “boy,” indicating a lack of enthusiasm for a potential matchup.
Ngannou appeared less excited about facing Paul compared to Jones. While Paul suggested he might box Ngannou, the promoter noted that it could be challenging given the size difference between the two. Paul mentioned this idea at the three-minute mark of a video.
Will Francis Ngannou Fight Jon Jones?
For Ngannou to face Jones, there are two possible routes. The first involves reviving contract negotiations with the UFC, which is considered highly unlikely. The second option requires Jones to find a way out of his UFC contract. On the broadcast following Ngannou’s comments, Jones stated he needs to focus on getting out of his deal with the UFC. However, he acknowledged that this process would not be easy.
The UFC typically does not allow its fighters to compete in other MMA events. Therefore, if Jones wants to face Ngannou in an MVP event, he must first exit his UFC contract.
Will Francis Ngannou Fight Jake Paul?
Whether or not Ngannou and Paul will actually face off remains uncertain. Ngannou did not express the same level of excitement for a matchup against Paul as he did for Jones. Paul has suggested the possibility of a boxing match, but given the size disparity, it may not be feasible. Additionally, Paul’s role as a promoter adds another layer of complexity to any potential fight.
Francis Ngannou’s MMA Record
Following his knockout win on May 16, Ngannou’s MMA record now stands at 19-3-0 (14-0 KO/TKO, 4-0 SUB), according to ESPN. He is currently on an eight-fight winning streak. His last loss occurred in July 2018 during UFC 228, where he lost via unanimous decision to Derrick Lewis. Prior to that, he lost the heavyweight championship to Stipe Miocic, also via unanimous decision.
Ngannou’s most recent fight in the UFC was a win against Ciryl Gane during the heavyweight division title fight at UFC 270 in 2022.
How Old Is Francis Ngannou?
As of May 16, Ngannou is 39 years old. He was born on September 5, 1986, in Batié, Cameroon. He spent his early years in Cameroon before moving to Europe. Known as “The Predator,” Ngannou has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of MMA.
