The former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will be returning to the octagon against star MMA fighter Ciryl Gane. Jones, who is still undefeated inside the octagon, will have a chance to be crowned as the new heavyweight champion by defeating Gane. However, this will be Jones’ first-ever fight in the heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, Jones recently lashed out at a tweeter user who took a dig at him and said that he only showed up after Francis Ngannou left UFC. Jones didn’t like the remarks and slammed the user, he said,
“Yeah, that’s funny, that’s not how it happened my friend. I was ready to fight about six months ago, you all heard Dana [White], ‘Ready to fight absolutely anyone.’ Francis should’ve had this fight, not Gane. Nice try though.”
I don’t think I deserve any criticism: Jon Jones
The 35-year-old is likely to be still interested to fight against Ngannou if the former heavyweight champion returns to the UFC, but first, he has to focus on the clash against Gane as Jones will be fighting for the first time after three years in the octagon at UFC 285. Jones said that Francis had the chance to fight but he refused it and that’s not his fault.
“I don’t think I deserve any criticism, I’m here. I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.” Jones told RMC Sport.
“I felt bad for the fans. I know that would have been a massive fight for the fans,” Jones said. “People from all around the world would have loved to see that event. And I’m not counting it out – I could see Francis going and fighting in boxing and doing whatever he’s going to do. I think he’s always going to be welcome back to the UFC. That’s always going to be a big, big fight, and I’ll be ready for him.”
Here’s how fans reacted:
Francis walked away, why we still talking about him just the Khabib
— Osiris (@Osiris2022) February 26, 2023
If Francis comes back you scrappin?
— Bradski (@WARDENRULES) February 25, 2023
i want you to fight with Francis after you beat Gane. with ufc or without ufc that will be awesome
— Dheepan Ratnam? (@dheepan_ratnam) February 25, 2023
People who think Jones was ducking Ngannou definitely don't actively watch the UFC.
— zahkraken (@ZahKraken) February 26, 2023
You the GOAT man! Can't wait for next week!
— RAWT (@iRAWTdesigns) February 26, 2023
Sara mood kharab kr diya Francis ne
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) February 26, 2023
You ducked francis
— Ahtsham (@iAhtshamAli) February 25, 2023
Yeah that's funny. You haven't fought in 3 years, criminal. Nice try though ?
— Maxaurelius1 (@Vmax1K) February 25, 2023
