Francis Ngannou has done his part and then some to lock up another shot at the UFC’s heavyweight title. Barring some sort of unforeseen circumstances, it looks like that’s going to happen.

Dana White says Ngannou is “next in line”

Over the last couple of years, Ngannou has terrorized the heavyweight division, by defeating the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. “The Predator” quickly put away all four men, and only dos Santos made it past the 60 second mark.

As a result, Ngannou, and many others, have been insisting the feared slugger get tapped for another title shot. The 33-year-old bombed his way into a title fight with champion Stipe Miocic in January, 2018, and lost via decision.

Fast forward to today, and Miocic will battle Daniel Cormier in a rubber match at UFC 252. Since Cormier has repeatedly said he plans to retire after the bout, win or lose, there’s been a lot of talk about what’s next for the heavyweight title.

For example, if Cormier does reclaim the belt, could the UFC table a fight with Jon Jones? Or, if Cormier wins the title again and retires, who will fight for the vacated belt?

Well, while talking to the media recently about the heavyweight title picture, White said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Francis (Ngannou) is next in line,” White said. “Again, we’ll see what happens on Saturday and then yeah, Francis is the guy.”

White’s comments here shouldn’t be shocking. As noted above, Ngannou has been on a tear since he lost via decision to Lewis in July, 2018, in a lackluster fight that was widely criticized.

You do have to wonder, however, if Cormier – Jones III could leave Ngannou on the sidelines. If Cormier wins the belt tonight, and if Jones calls him out for a shot at the heavyweight crown, you would think the UFC would take a look at making that fight happen.

‘DC’s’ coach, Javier Mendez, believes Cormier would consider taking the fight if the UFC tabled a big offer.

What about Miocic?

Obviously if Miocic wins tonight, then chances are we’ll see Miocic – Ngannou II. But, what will the UFC do if Cormier wins, and he does retire?

Will Miocic fight for the vacated belt? Against Ngannou?

When White was asked if Miocic’s run would qualify him for another crack at the belt, he said this.

“It probably does. It would be hard to deny Stipe.  We’re saying that this Saturday, the greatest heavyweight ever is the winner of this fight, so to say he’s not good enough for another title fight for the vacant title would be crazy.”

Fair enough. There’s also been talk about Lewis and Ngannou fighting again for the vacant belt. But, due to what transpired in their first bout, there’s a good chance the UFC would prefer to stay away from that match-up for now.

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