Tag: Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou likely not to return this year says coach who wants the Jon Jones fight early 2023

Francis Ngannou, Jon JonesCoach Eric Nicksick reported Francis Ngannou will likely not be back inside the octagon this year. The reigning UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has been on the sidelines since his last outing against Ciryl Gane in Jan. at UFC 270. Ngannou utilized a surprising grappling-heavy game plan to edge out Gane on the judges’ scorecards. Following […]

Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones

Coach Eric Nicksick reported Francis Ngannou will likely not be back inside the octagon this year.

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has been on the sidelines since his last outing against Ciryl Gane in Jan. at UFC 270. Ngannou utilized a surprising grappling-heavy game plan to edge out Gane on the judges’ scorecards. Following the win, he needed to undergo surgery for his knee injuries and was expected to sit out for a while.

There was speculation that Ngannou might come back this year, but it looks like it may not happen.

Francis Ngannou will likely not fight this year, as per coach Eric Nicksick, who wants him to fight Jon Jones in early 2023

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Ngannou & Xtreme Couture’s head coach Nicksick shared that Francis Ngannou would not mark his return to action for at least another six months, with early 2023 seeming the most ideal time. He would like him to welcome Jon Jones for his heavyweight debut.

“The fight that makes the most sense is obviously Jon Jones,” Nicksick said via MMA Mania. “That’s the fight we all want. The way I look at it is, Jon Jones has been out for two and a half years. If we can’t do it in December, and depending on the way the UFC schedule plays out, maybe [it can happen] in January or February, somewhere in that timeline.

“Jon hasn’t fought in so long, Stipe [Miocic] hasn’t fought since Francis beat him, so that will be two years for Stipe in March, so might as well wait another month for the super fight and the fight to make,” he continued. “Honestly, for me, I’d love the Stipe fight again, or the Jones fight, but if I had my choice between the two, obviously I want to compete against the best to ever do it, in my opinion, and that’s Jon Jones.”

Do you want to see Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones?

Jon Jones hints at potential UFC 282 return in December, plans ‘dominant’ title win at heavyweight

Jon JonesSidelined since early 2020, former two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has hinted at a return to active competition at UFC 282 on December 10. – as the Rochester native is finally expected to make his heavyweight divisional bow this year. Jones, a former two-time undisputed light heavyweight champion, headlined UFC 247 most recently […]

Jon Jones

Sidelined since early 2020, former two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has hinted at a return to active competition at UFC 282 on December 10. – as the Rochester native is finally expected to make his heavyweight divisional bow this year.

Jones, a former two-time undisputed light heavyweight champion, headlined UFC 247 most recently in February 2020 against the soon-to-return Dominick Reyes in Houston, Texas – landing a close, dubious unanimous decision win.

The former Jackson-Wink MMA staple then officially relinquished the undisputed light heavyweight championship in August of that year, as he planned a move to the promotion’s heavyweight ranks.

Seeing the kibosh put on an immediate title challenge agianst current champion, Francis Ngannou due to negotiations fallouts with the promotion, as well as his plan to embark on a strict training regime to prepare for a divisional leap. 

Jon Jones is expected to fight for UFC gold in his heavyweight division bow

Jones has since been linked continually this annum with a return to the Octagon at the close of this year, with an interim heavyweight title expected to be introduced as Ngannou continues his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.

Hinting at a return to active competition on December 10. at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jon Jones tweeted “UFC 282 (praying hands emoji)” last night. 

In a further tweet, Jones who has been linked with an interim title affair against former champion, Stipe Miocic, explained how he wanted to land a dominant title win in his heavyweight debut, akin to his light heavyweight title victory against Mauricio Rua. 

“My goal, my dream is to have my light first heavyweight title fight look like my first light heavyweight title fight,” Jon Jones tweeted. “Pure domination.” 

During his second reign as undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jones managed to land three successful title defenses against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and the aforenoted, Reyes.

Francis Ngannou reveals he lost ‘$1 million’ due to UFC restricting fighter sponsorship

Francis Ngannou, Dana WhiteFrancis Ngannou has revealed that he lost out on major bucks from a potential sponsor. The reigning UFC heavyweight champion has been on the sidelines following his most recent outing against Ciryl Gane in Jan. at UFC 270. After adding a successful title defense against the rising striker, Ngannou chose to undergo knee surgery and […]

Francis Ngannou, Dana White

Francis Ngannou has revealed that he lost out on major bucks from a potential sponsor.

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion has been on the sidelines following his most recent outing against Ciryl Gane in Jan. at UFC 270. After adding a successful title defense against the rising striker, Ngannou chose to undergo knee surgery and was expected to be out of competition for the rest of the year.

Francis Ngannou reveals he lost over a million dollars due to UFC

Taking to Twitter, Ngannou expressed his frustrations of losing $1 million in sponsorship money due to the UFC prohibiting fighters from being sponsored at their official events including fights.

“Fighters are ripped off with Sponsorship,” he wrote. “It’s a huge source of revenue for us but the company keeps exploiting that for their own benefit.”

He followed up with another message suggesting the allowance of at least two sponsors inside the cage for each athlete: “I understand that the sport needs to look good with uniforms but we should at least have a right for a minimum of 2 approved sponsors for in the octagon.”

“The Predator” talked about losing a crypto sponsor because of the promotion’s partnership with Crypto.com, a deal the champion got nothing out of personally.

“Last year I lost a deal of over a million dollars from a crypto exchange because the partnership with CRYPTO .COM What do I got from it ?”

He ended the series of tweets with a sly dig at the company.

“Inflation is up.”

Francis Ngannou has been at odds with the UFC and company president Dana White over pay issues. He took a big risk in competing against Gane as it was the last fight on his current deal. A loss would have taken away all the power from Ngannou in negotiating a better deal on his own terms. With the gold in his hand, his deal automatically extended for one more year after which he would be at liberty to leave the organization or re-sign holding leverage in the discussions.

Do you want to see Francis Ngannou transition to boxing or stay with the UFC?

Mohammed Usman KO victory applauded by Francis Ngannou: “A new contender was born”

Mohammed Usman Francis NgannouAfter an incredible knockout at UFC Vegas 59 to win the TUF 30 crown, Mohammed Usman has received praise from none other than the UFC’s heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. Tasked with facing Zac Pauga, it was clear Usman was facing a dangerous opponent. The two weren’t gun shy to start the first round though, as […]

Mohammed Usman Francis Ngannou

After an incredible knockout at UFC Vegas 59 to win the TUF 30 crown, Mohammed Usman has received praise from none other than the UFC’s heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.

Tasked with facing Zac Pauga, it was clear Usman was facing a dangerous opponent. The two weren’t gun shy to start the first round though, as both fighters traded willingly, unafraid. As the round progressed, the action became more tactical and reserved. Respect had been earned on both sides, and the pace settled into a slow but consistent back-and-forth, with neither man really looking better than the other.

The head kicks of Pauga were sharp and fast, but Usman’s defense held solid. ‘The Ripper’ clearly was the quicker opponent, while Usman seemed to have the more deadly intent. Winging terrifying hooks and power shots in an attempt to erase consciousness.

The second round began just as the first had, with steady but tactical action. Seemingly out of nowhere, Pauga lunged forward with a jab, and ‘The Motor’ caught him on the way out with a devastating left hook. Dropping Pauga where Mohammed Usman could land a final hammer-fist or two to solidify the victory.

Mohammed Usman Shines And Francis Ngannou Gives Praise

While the world was happy for Mohammed Usman, chief among the supporters was the UFC’s heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Who took to Twitter to show moral support and even jokingly say he was scared of Usman.

“A new contender was born in the heavyweight division,” Ngannou said. “And personally I want no business with this man. Congrats brother!”

With Mohammed Usman’s victory at UFC Vegas 59, His brother Kamaru and he become the first brothers in history to both win TUF titles. With a brother like Kamaru Usman, ‘The Motor’ will undoubtedly be facing high expectations during his UFC tenure. It’s unclear yet as to how Mohammed Usman will do, but if his performance over Pauga is any indication, he looks like he has the potential to do just fine.

Will Kamaru and Mohammed Usman be the first brothers to hold UFC championships simultaneously?

Jon Jones insists he’s still in “bulking phase” ahead of UFC return, targets future Francis Ngannou fight

Jon JonesFormer two-time undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has claimed that he still remains in the “bulking phase” of his heavyweight training regime, amid links with an impending hiatus snapping return to the Octagon. As well as hinting at a future tangle against division champion, Francis Ngannou. Jones, who has yet to feature under […]

Jon Jones

Former two-time undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has claimed that he still remains in the “bulking phase” of his heavyweight training regime, amid links with an impending hiatus snapping return to the Octagon. As well as hinting at a future tangle against division champion, Francis Ngannou.

Jones, who has yet to feature under the UFC banner since UFC 247 back in February 2020, has been sidelined from the sport for over two years as he carefully plans out a long-awaited move to the heavyweight ranks, as well as dealing with other indiscretions with law enforcement.

Jon Jones last competed in Texas against title chaser, Dominick Reyes

The former two-time undisputed light heavyweight champion has been linked with a return to the Octagon this year in tandem with a heavyweight division embarking, however, Jones maintains he is still within the “bulking” stage of his training programe as UFC president, Dana White, links him to an interim title fight against Stipe Miocic.

“The biggest complaint I hear from fight fans these days are, “dude is taking too long, he’s never going to fight,” sounds like people are becoming impatient, it’s a great problem to have,” Jon Jones tweeted.

“Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure in one of Dana’s (White) last interviews he stated, “Jon’s ready to go, just waiting to see what happens between Stipe (Miocic) and Francis (Ngannou)” Right now I’m focusing on controlling what I can, that’s packing on the pounds (shrugged shoulders emoji),” Jon Jones tweeted. 

As far as an impending Octagon comeback is concerned, however, Jones remained coy on a certain date for his hiatus snapping return, however, claimed that talks had been held for a November date. 

The promotion are scheduled to host a UFC 281 pay-per-view event on November 12. at Madison Square Garden, however, a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is slated to take headlining honors.

“I’ve been hearing whispers about November but honestly I have no clue,” Jon Jones tweeted. “Been hearing that Francis could possibly be back on the table though.” 

“I personally don’t feel slow, I’m aware that I’m not in camp and I am in a bulking phase,” Jon Jones tweeted. “But I like people judging that version of me, it could only work to my advantage.”

Jon Jones Remains In The Dark About His Return Date

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn’t appear any closer to having an update on his return to the Octagon. Since defending the 205-pound gold in a controversial split decision versus Dominick Reyes in February 2020, Jones has rem…

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn’t appear any closer to having an update on his return to the Octagon. Since defending the 205-pound gold in a controversial split decision versus Dominick Reyes in February 2020, Jones has remained on the sidelines. While he announced his intentions to bulk for a heavyweight move that…

Continue Reading Jon Jones Remains In The Dark About His Return Date at MMA News.