Daniel Cormier believes the UFC can find a way to benefit from Francis Ngannou’s latest contract situation.
Ngannou signed with the PFL through 2023 and had only played one game before his release was announced earlier today.
advertise
Even before the UFC White House event in June, Ngannou mentioned that his contract had expired, sparking speculation that he might return to the Octagon.
Daniel Cormier thinks UFC could use Francis Ngannou in talks with Jon Jones
Photography: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Daniel Cormier says the UFC could use the idea of ​​bringing back Francis Ngannou to strengthen their position in negotiations with Jon Jones.
While Dana White was initially reluctant to add Jon Jones to the White House roster, it was revealed earlier this month that discussions about his return were already underway.
Cormier discussed the situation on his YouTube channel and suggested the UFC could use Ngannou as leverage since negotiations with “Bones” have been very challenging in the past.
advertise
“Jon Jones gives you too many problems to win the White House or it won’t work, and Francis Ngannou is already on the market,” he said. “You kind of pivot to, ‘Okay, Francis, can we get together and talk about your fight in the White House?'” That requires a little leverage on Jones’ part. “
Dana White said details of the UFC White House card will be announced tomorrow, so any deal with Jones is possible before Ngannou takes the field again.
Instead, we’re more likely to see The Predator return at Netflix’s Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano MMA night at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Dana White blames Jon Jones’ demands for preventing Francis Ngannou’s massive clash
Jon Jones’ potential return on UFC terms now looks more realistic than the long-discussed fight with Francis Ngannou.
advertise
However, back in 2020, Dana White pointed to Jones as the main reason why a superfight between the two former heavyweight champions never materialized.
The UFC president told ESPN MMA at the time that “Bones” requested what he called a “ridiculous” amount of money for the fight, adding that Jones mentioned the purse Deontay Wilder received for his fight with Tyson Fury.
Despite being widely considered one of the most anticipated fights in the sport, the showdown never happened, especially after Ngannou failed to reach a new contract agreement with the UFC in January 2023.
Ngannou eventually withdrew from the promotion, relinquishing the heavyweight title Jones would capture two months later.
advertise
Read more:
