UFC CEO, Dana White has once more echoed prior claims that former undisputed heavyweight champion and promotional alum, Francis Ngannou turned down the prospect to combat present divison titleholder, Jon Jones throughout their time with the group – regardless of their obvious finest efforts.
Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight gold holder, made his second outing in skilled boxing earlier this yr in Saudi Arabia – struggling a surprising second spherical KO loss to former two-time world champion, Anthony Joshua.
Making an expert boxing debut final yr in Riyadh, former UFC star, Ngannou compelled former WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury the space in his boxing debut, dropping a controversial cut up determination loss.
Departing the White-led group in January of final yr amid a contract dispute, Batié native, Ngannou has since signed to combat with the PFL (Skilled Fighters League) – and has been tipped to make his debut in a conflict in opposition to Brazilian contender, Renan Ferreira.
Dana White talks failed Francis Ngannou – Jon Jones combat
Sharing his newest ideas on Ngannou’s failed combat with Rochester native, Jones – amid continued hyperlinks to an eventual showdown, UFC boss, White claimed the Cameroon knockout star merely had little interest in preventing the previous pound-for-pound primary.
“We [the UFC] did all the things we in our energy to try to make that Jon Jones combat [with Francis Ngannou],” Dana White stated throughout an interview with Shannon Sharpe. “And it’s what it’s.”
“Not solely is Jon Jones not afraid of Francis, Jon Jones is the baddest fighter to ever reside, in any fight sport,” White continued. “For those who have a look at – Jon Jones is undefeated within the UFC – he’s received one loss on his file. He misplaced to Steve Mazzagatti. Have you learnt who that’s? He’s the worst referee to ever f*cking ref any combat. [Jones] by no means misplaced, and he went by way of assassin’s row.”
Do you suppose Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones would ever combat sooner or later?