A little over a week since Francis Ngannou becomes the UFC’s heavyweight champion it seems that the UFC are now ready to turn their back on heated negotiations aimed at putting together a superfight for the ages between ‘The Predator’ and former light-heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones.
Since vacating his 205lb title, Jones has been diligently filling out his frame for several months now in preparation for his heavyweight debut, but after watching UFC 260 and hearing Dana White air his own doubts about whether ‘Bones’ really wanted the fight, the star began a Twitter tirade demanding a record-breaking payday in order to make the fight become a reality.
UFC officials appear to have balked at Jones later suggestions that a guaranteed $8-10 million payday (excluding PPV points) would not be enough to secure his signature on the contract, despite even Conor McGregor only having secured $5 million for his last fight.
As such, the word now is that the UFC brass are now turning their back on Jones and homing in on a rematch between Ngannou and Derrick Lewis instead, though it might not happen quite as quickly as they had hoped.
“UFC has kicked the tires on Francis Ngannou x Derrick Lewis on June 12, sources say,” according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. “However the timing doesn’t work for Ngannou (and I don’t blame him; he just won the belt).
Bigger story here, IMO, is, at least for now, they don’t seem keen on waiting around for Jones.
“Since 6/12, at least for now, doesn’t viable, do they revisit Jones? Maybe. But Lewis is ready, willing and able. Wouldn’t be surprised if they just try to book that rematch for sometime later in the summer/fall. Doesn’t look like they are willing to meet Jones’ price right now.”
