Jon Jones

It remains to be seen who Jon Jones will fight next, but at a time when the likes of Jan Blachowicz and Dominick Reyes have been mentioned the most as his next opponent, “Bones” has buzzed the MMA world by throwing Francis Ngannou’s name into the mix.

Jon Jones

Jones says he’s down to fight the feared, heavyweight slugger

Ever since Jones scored a controversial, decision win over Dominick Reyes this past February, there’s been calls in some circles for a rematch. In addition, on account of Blachowicz’s KO win over Corey Anderson that same month, the contender’s been campaigning for a title shot.

More recently, Jones has sounded more interested in facing Blachowciz next than running it back with Reyes. But, on Thursday, “Bones” shared out this headline-grabbing tweet.

“Who would you guys consider the quicker and more technical striker Thiago Santos or Francis? If you guys think I wouldn’t take this fight you’re insane.

I have absolutely nothing else to prove as a light heavyweight. I’d love that big money fight right around now. Send the deal”

Now, it should also be noted that on account of Jones’ razor-thin, decision win over Santos last summer, the latter’s name also gets mentioned in talks regarding “Bones”. But, the consensus has been that the Brazilian striker will need to score another win or two before receiving a title shot.

So what about Jones – Ngannou?

Some people might argue that Jones is just trolling here. But, last fall, Jones also talked about how a fight with Ngannou was “inevitable.”

So, if he’s serious, could this happen? 

Following Ngannou’s ridiculously fast, KO win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 this past weekend, the dangerous fighter has repeated his desire to fight for a title. In fact, Ngannou says that bout should have been for an interim belt.

Would Ngannou be interested in taking a non-title fight, via one with Jones? Due to how massive the bout would be? It looks like the answer is yes.

Following Jones’ tweet, Ngannou responded with this.

If you think you can handle my technique level that’s fine Man shrugging but I agree with you that you don’t have anything to prove in LHW division and that this should be for bags. 

We’ll see what happens here. It would be a little odd to have a reigning champ move up and take a non-title fight.

But who knows? Maybe the UFC would make Jones – Ngannou for an interim heavyweight title? Similar to how Dustin Poirier – Max Holloway was for an interim lightweight belt?

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