Jon Jones would consider delaying his retirement for a potential UFC fight against Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou vacated the heavyweight title earlier this year and departed the UFC after failing to agree a new deal, which derailed the prospect of him defending his crown against 'Bones'. However the American was then thrust into a fight against Cyril Gane, which he won within one round to claim the belt that was previously abandoned by his rival.
Despite the Cameroon star's departure from the UFC, many have still suggested Ngannou should revisit the negotiating table and return for a big opportunity against new champion Jones. It will likely be the highest rewarding fight for the pair given their profiles and their unmatched pay-per-view draw within the top division.
And the MMA legend believes the revenue from any Ngannou fight could see him remain in action having suggested he could hang up his gloves after facing the challenge of Stipe Miocic. “I do believe a Francis Ngannou fight would be worth entertaining not retiring,” Jones explained in an interview with Fox Sports Australia when discussing his UFC future.
“I think a Francis fight would come with some serious revenue, and that would make it worth my while. Francis is a former champion, he’s pretty damn popular [in the U.S.], and across the world. It would bring in a lot of money, and for that, I’d be willing to come back. I feel like the Stipe fight will be plenty for me.
"I really don’t feel like I have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I’ve been in the game a long time, and in fighter years, I’m an old guy. “I’ve got some small injuries and I just really want to be around — I want to be around for my family, I want to be around for my kids, I want to be able to play with my kids and have a good head on my shoulders, and joints that work. So yeah, I can see it coming to an end really soon."
Who would win if the pair fought - Jon Jones or Francis Ngannou? Let us know in the comments section below
It is extremely unlikely Ngannou would return to the UFC given the nature of negotiations which turned sour after he was left unhappy with the potential terms. UFC president Dana White also suggested that there would be no welcome back for the ex-champion if he did decide to return.
The possibility has raised that he will instead compete on a rival MMA promotion to the UFC which could include PFL who have already held talks with Ngannou. It will be difficult to negotiate a deal with the 36-year-old who it was revealed rejected an offer of $20 million from ONE to land his future on their platform.
