After creation of interim belt, coach suggests resumption of negotiations for 'Ngannou x Jones'

Eric Nicksick hopes for a resumption of negotiations for a fight between F. Ngannou and J. Jones. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Pointed out as one of the biggest speculations in MMA in 2021, the possible fight between Francis Ngannou e Jon Jones for the UFC linear heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg) gained another chapter. After being caught by surprise when Ultimate announced the creation of the interim belt, the French-Cameroonian's coach, Eric Nicksick, suggested that negotiations for the fight could happen again.

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“You have to think too, for us, we were told we would be the winner of the Stipe (Miocic) fight and Francis (Ngannou) would fight Jon Jones. And now I think Jon Jones It's on our radar. These negotiations have reached an impasse and, from what I understand, the promotion has to move forward. (…), but if it means that we will fight against Jon Jones on a November card at Madison Square Garden or something like that, so I think everything will work out in the end”, said the coach in an interview with the North American website 'MMA fighting'.

Despite achieving 'glory' by knocking out Stipe Miocic No. UFC 260, Ngannou has not yet had the chance to defend his title and saw the organization scheduling a fight between Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis for the division's interim belt. Now, Eric Nicksick stated that he was taken by surprise, but tries to see the 'good side' of the decision.

“I’m just trying to stay balanced with it all. I understand that the UFC has a business to run. They needed a main event and wanted to fill that spot in Houston. And who better than Derrick Lewis to introduce that place? This will be a big main event. I just think the 'working title' label being placed on it is a bit damaging. But then again, it's not my promotion. They had to do something and I understand that”, he concluded.

At 34, Ngannou became champion after winning the rematch against Stipe Miocic in the main fight of UFC 260. The French-Cameroonian hoped to defend his title for the first time against Jon Jones, which makes the transition to move up a category. O 'Bones', however, suffered a financial impasse with the franchise's president, Dana White, and had his debut date in the new division postponed.

By the way, Francis had made a verbal agreement for another rematch, this time against Derrick Lewis. He wanted to face him in September, but Ultimate preferred to organize the fight between the North American and Cyryl Gane, who defeated Alexsander Volkov in the UFC Las Vegas 30.