UFC legend Jon Jones has been called out for a fight with Ciryl Gane after talks of a clash against Francis Ngannou fizzled out.
Jones, 35, has been preparing for a move to heavyweight for almost three years but is yet to debut in the weight class. The former pound-for-pound No.1, who recently hinted at his return by tweeting: "Champion 2023", hasn't fought since defending the UFC light-heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes in February 2020.
Ngannou, who currently holds the heavyweight title, is believed to be a free agent having not re-signed with the promotion after his contract expired last month. 'The Predator' claims to have lost millions by turning down new offers from the UFC and if he is to stay with the promotion, he wants a deal which would also allow him to box.
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A fight between Ngannou and Jones was expected to take place at UFC 285 on March 4 and Gane seemingly called out 'Bones' for this date in his latest tweet. "Where you at Jonny Bones? I'm free this March, Vegas," Gane wrote. The Frenchman broke his hand last September in his knockout win against Tai Tuivasa, but will seemingly be ready to fight in two months time.
Gane missed out on his chance to win the heavyweight title when he fought Ngannou last January, losing a decision to his former training partner. Ngannou injured his knee ligaments in the fight and subsequently underwent successful knee surgery, but his ongoing contractual row with the UFC could see him vacate his title and never fight again for the promotion.
Gane's coach Fernand Lopez, has previously backed his fighter to be Jones' toughest test at heavyweight, telling Low Kick MMA: "Jon coming to heavyweight, there’s not a tougher fight for him [than Ciryl]. Fight IQ vs. Fight IQ, a lot of experience vs. a lot of freshness. There’s not a lot of fighters who can put themselves in a position where they are at a disadvantage and can still win.
"With Jon, everything is spinning and that’s scary for heavyweights. The fact that Ciryl isn’t as powerful as Francis, will equalise things with Jon Jones since he’s coming from light heavyweight. They’re going to fight, 100 per cent, we can’t avoid that collision.”
Jones has also been going back and forth with the UFC over contractual demands, with Dana White claiming he wanted a huge $30million purse to fight Ngannou. Jones went on to deny White's claim, telling his boss: "I never discussed wanting 30million with you or Hunter [Campbell]. Just wondering where you heard that number? Is someone speaking with you on my behalf or...?"
