When Francis Ngannou parted ways with the UFC, many parties had their own speculations as to what the reasons might have been. Jon Jones was supposed to be the one who would face the ‘Predator’ but that fight didn’t materialize. Now ‘Bones’ has discussed some potential reasons why Ngannou might have turned down the new UFC contract.
Jones blamed Francis’s lack of self-belief, “I don’t think I deserve any criticism. I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.”
He understood what the cancellation may have meant for the fans, “I felt bad for the fans. I know that would have been a massive fight for the fans. People from all around the world would have loved to see that event. And I’m not counting it out – I could see Francis going and fighting in boxing and doing whatever he’s going to do. I think he’s always going to be welcome back to the UFC. That’s always going to be a big, big fight, and I’ll be ready for him.”
How right is Jon Jones?
Francis has repeatedly claimed that he is not afraid to take on Jones. In fact, he himself had been calling for the fight way before the fight actually got announced. But he also wanted to stay firm on the contract terms he had presented to the UFC. Since the organization didn’t agree, that was pretty much the reason for his departure.
Indeed, the fight against a technically ‘undefeated’ fighter like Jon would have been great for the Cameroonian’s career. But there are still opportunities for the former heavyweight champ to fight the current WBC champion, Tyson Fury.
Jon Jones Takes on Cyril Gane at UFC 285.
