Francis Ngannou has shared his perspective on the ongoing situation involving Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
Recently, Jones revealed that he is in discussions with the UFC to make a comeback in 2025 for at least one fight. However, the question remains: who will the heavyweight champion face in his return?
After his dominant third-round victory over Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Jones outlined his future aspirations. He expressed interest in fighting reigning light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. Despite speculation about a logical showdown with interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall, "Bones" has made his preference clear, suggesting that Aspinall needs the fight more than he does.
Ngannou, now a prominent figure in the world of combat sports beyond the UFC, offered his take on the situation while speaking with TMZ Sports. He hinted at possible behind-the-scenes negotiations influencing Jones’ decision.
I think there’s a negotiation situation here that’s involved that we don’t know all the ups and downs (about),” Ngannou said. “We all know the situation that they use in the negotiation to say, ‘Oh no, he doesn’t want to fight this guy – he’s scared.’ And then that’s how the machine works.
Ngannou pointed out that Jones holds significant leverage in determining his next fight, while Aspinall, as an emerging name, stands to gain much more from the potential matchup.
He’s in the position to claim what he wants, as he said. He said, ‘Aspinall needs that fight. I don’t need it.’ And when you look at it, it’s pretty much true. There’s nothing that he’s going to have more in that fight other than money. But for Aspinall, who’s someone coming and trying to cement his way in the division, that will be everything.
Ngannou’s comments shed light on the complexities of high-stakes negotiations in combat sports, where fighters balance legacy, risk, and financial incentives.
As Jones weighs his options, fans will eagerly await confirmation of his next opponent — whether it’s a return to his light heavyweight roots against Pereira or a heavyweight unification clash with Aspinall.