Francis Ngannou was surprised when he heard Jon Jones will be providing analysis for the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event, but he believes it’s a good thing.
Ngannou will be competing on Saturday’s card headlined by Rousey vs. Carano inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. “The Predator” is scheduled to clash with former UFC, PFL, and Bellator veteran Philipe Lins. It’ll be Ngannou’s first MMA bout since he starched Renan Ferreira back in Oct. 2024.
Most Valuable Promotions recently announced broadcast plans for Saturday’s event. Jones’ name was revealed, as the UFC legend will be giving his assessments of the fights behind the analyst desk. “Bones” and Ngannou never got a chance to collide despite showing mutual interest in a clash.
Speaking to reporters following an open workout session, Ngannou shared his thoughts on Jones being a part of this weekend’s broadcast (h/t MMAJunkie).
“Well, it’s going to be very interesting to have Jon Jones in the same arena at night watching,” Ngannou said. “It’s very interesting to see how it’s going to be, but we will see. It will be great. It adds to be what I’m saying, this event is just like one-standing event. Jon Jones never broadcast, did he?”
When Ngannou was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Jones was at odds with the promotion he’s called home since 2008. During that time, UFC CEO Dana White publicly said he didn’t expect “Bones” to be itching for a fight with “The Predator.” Ngannou ended up vacating the heavyweight gold when he left UFC in favor of seeking opportunities in the boxing world and signing a deal with PFL MMA.
Jones ended up winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship by submitting Ciryl Gane. He had a successful title defense against Stipe Miocic in Nov. 2024, which may have been the final bout in Jones’ pro MMA career.
Any chance we ever see Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones, or has that ship long sailed? Chime in with your opinion below.
