Even with the fight underway, Lewis accuses Ngannou of prioritizing Jones: 'He's ignoring me'

F. Ngannou (left) and D. Lewis (right) faced each other for the first time in 2018, with the North American winning on points. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

After Ultimate's president, Dana White, confirmed advanced negotiations for a rematch for the heavyweight belt (up to 120,2kg), Derrick Lewis was excited about the possibility of facing Francis Ngannou. The North American, however, states that the only impediment is that the Franco-Cameroonian still prioritizes a super fight against Jon Jones.

See too

Prochazka confirms negotiations to be an immediate reserve for 'Blachowicz x Glover Teixeira' at UFC 266

After suffering a knockout at UFC 262, Chandler expresses surprise at Do Bronx's resistance: 'He's tougher than we thought'

Rising star in the lightweight division, Beneil Dariush reveals which opponents he would not like to face in the UFC

“(The fight) is not official yet. I don't know, but it seems like he wants to continue with Jon Jones and you're ignoring me. Is what it seems. But I hope it's official. The fight has to be different and it can't be worse than it was (the first time). It has to be better and I really think it will be”, said Lewis in an interview with journalists at UFC 262.

Considered two great highlights in the recent history of heavyweights in Ultimate, Francis and Derrick are old acquaintances. The 'giants' exchanged forces in 2018, in one of the most criticized fights of that season. Known for their knockout power, the heavyweights produced little and the match ended up being decided by the judges' decision, who unanimously declared Lewis the winner.

Dana White and Jon Jones They started exchanging barbs through the press, especially after Dana accused Jones of asking for a high purse value because he was 'afraid' of facing the French-Cameroonian. The 'big boss' also declared that the North American still refused to confront Stipe Miocic.