Jon Jones referred to as out Stipe Miocic after a dominant first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 final weekend.
The battle additionally marked Jones’ return to the octagon after a hiatus of three years. UFC president Dana White claims that he would not be shocked to see ‘Bones’ retire after defending his title in opposition to Miocic. The 53-year-old lately informed TMZ Sports activities:
“I would not be shocked both if he fights Stipe after which retires and does not battle once more.”
Speak of Jones’ potential retirement popped out of nowhere as White was discussing the result of a possible outing between ‘Bones’ and Francis Ngannou. In response to the UFC president, Ngannou’s UFC 270 conflict in opposition to Gane is proof that ‘The Predator’ additionally would not have stood a lot of an opportunity in opposition to Jones. White informed TMZ:
“Let me let you know what, I feel, lots of different individuals really feel this fashion, I feel that is precisely the best way the battle would’ve gone if [Ngannou] was in there, too. [Francis] and Ciryl had a five-round warfare, and if Ciryl does not go for that submission, Ciryl in all probability wins that battle. On the finish of the fifth spherical there.”
Catch White’s interview with TMZ beneath:
UFC 290 on July 8 in Worldwide Combat Week is reportedly the date being focused for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic battle.
Francis Ngannou responds to accusations of ‘operating’ from Jon Jones
Francis Ngannou vacated his heavyweight title and exited the UFC earlier this yr after failed contract negotiations spanning over a yr. The hopes of a possible outing between Ngannou and Jon Jones have been perpetually shattered after Dana White lately dismissed the likelihood of ‘The Predator’ returning to the UFC.
Whereas Dana White is thought to have pushed the ‘operating’ narrative with a number of fighters, Jones additionally lately blamed Ngannou for his or her battle falling via. Nevertheless, the previous heavyweight champ claims to have accomplished all the pieces in his capability to make the battle come to fruition.
In response to Ngannou, the UFC used Jones’ matchup as a bargaining chip to try to maintain him within the promotion. The 36-year-old informed ESPN:
“I did all the pieces to have that battle…It didn’t simply occur, however on the finish I felt like that was the cut price [chip for the UFC] to maintain me, perhaps [to convince me to] do one thing that I don’t need simply because I need that battle. Sure, I needed that battle, however not at any value.”
Catch Ngannou’s feedback beneath: