Aiming for Jon Jones
Despite his recent triumph, Ngannou is not resting on his laurels. The 38-year-old Cameroonian boxer has openly challenged several fighters, with a particular focus on his longtime rival, Jon Jones. In an interview with renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Ngannou expressed optimism about the possibility of a fight against Jones:
“There is always a chance. I can’t answer exactly what the success rate is, but I know that there is a chance to fix the fight between me and Jon Jones. I know Turki Alalshikh is excited about the match scenario.”
Ngannou indicated that if PFL provides a suitable schedule and opponent, the fight could happen in the second quarter of 2025, whether in an MMA match or potentially in boxing.
The Dream Match Scenario
The prospect of a Ngannou vs. Jones fight has fans buzzing with excitement. Backed by PFL and Alalshikh, who has ambitions to elevate MMA on par with boxing, the stage seems set for high-profile matchups. However, significant hurdles remain, primarily due to Dana White’s strong opposition. The UFC president has previously hinted at “disowning” Ngannou after he left the organization over disputes regarding pay.
The difficulty in allowing a UFC fighter like Jones to face an opponent from another promotion complicates matters. White’s concern is that such a fight could impact the “sustainable existence and development of the UFC.”
Upcoming Opponents
While the future of the Ngannou vs. Jones match remains uncertain, Ngannou has no shortage of potential opponents. Following his quick victory over Ferreira, he is set to face Ante Delija, a 34-year-old Croatian fighter who previously defeated Ferreira by technical knockout in 2022. However, Delija’s mixed record, with six losses in 30 professional fights, raises questions about the fight’s intrigue.
Additionally, Ngannou has hinted at a matchup with heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, who has only competed in one professional MMA match since 2015, securing a victory by technical knockout.
“I trained with Verhoeven. We are friends, but that doesn’t mean we can’t face each other in the ring. So, if you want to fight, give me the contract,” Ngannou stated confidently.
Conclusion
As Ngannou navigates the complex landscape of MMA, his return has rekindled excitement among fans. Whether he can secure a dream match against Jon Jones or face other formidable opponents, one thing is clear: Francis Ngannou is back and ready to make waves in the combat sports world. Fans eagerly await what’s next for this heavyweight powerhouse.
