Jon Jones (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Jon Jones may have been hoping to fight Francis Ngannou next. But, although the latter is no longer with the UFC, Jones understands the former heavyweight champ’s decision to leave the promotion.

For months, there was talk and speculation about Jones facing Ngannou, after “Bones” vacated the light-heavyweight title in 2020 to make a run at heavyweight. More recently, however, the UFC announced Jones will battle Ciryl Gane for the now-vacant, heavyweight belt on March 4th.

The title is now up for grabs, as Ngannou was unable to come to terms with the UFC on a new contract, and is now a free agent.

Since then, Jones spoke with Sports Illustrated. While discussing Ngannou’s UFC departure, the former champ said this:

“I’m happy for Francis,” says Jones. “I’m glad that Francis knows his worth. No man has a right to shame another man for fighting for his worth. I was in a very similar situation as Francis as a light heavyweight. I was never happy with my salary. I had to sit out three years, and I missed a lot of time, but now we’re here. I encourage Francis on his journey, and I wish him all the best. Another company is going to be truly blessed to have him.

“And I do believe my path will cross with Francis. Dana White always gives the fans what they want to see, and a Jon Jones-Francis Ngannou fight will always be a fight of interest. So I’m not counting it out. I’ll keep an eye on Francis.”

The 35-year-old Jones, who also had a highly publicized, contract dispute with the UFC, hasn’t competed since February, 2020. Jones won a tightly contested, and controversial decision over Dominick Reyes.