UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is expected to make his Octagon return against Derrick Lewis this summer, a five-round showdown that will give “The Predator” an opportunity to notch his first title defense — and avenge his 2018 loss to “The Black Beast.”
That’s according to UFC President Dana White (via TSN).
And if the stars align, ex-heavyweight kingpin Stipe Miocic will also make his return to the cage against former 205-pound titleholder Jon Jones, a bout that was originally going to happen at UFC 218 in Detroit before “Bones” flunked his UFC 214 drug test.
“[Miocic] is the heavyweight G.O.A.T., the guy has put in the work and done all the things you need to do to be the heavyweight G.O.A.T., that’s a fact,” White told ESPN. “I like that he’s fired up and wants to fight again. Listen, we could do Jon and Stipe. Jon’s one of the best to ever do it. If he wants to fight, we’ll get a fight done for him.”
Jones vacated his title at 205 pounds with the intent to move up in weight; however, negotiations for a heavyweight title fight came screeching to a halt. At this point, “Bones” will only talk turkey with UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell.
If Jones decides to keep himself out of action for the foreseeable future, then Miocic will likely fight the winner of Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov, who collide for a spot in the crowded 265-pound title chase on June 26 at APEX in Las Vegas.