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Francis Ngannou's Next UFC Fight Is In The Works, But It's Not Jon Jones Super-Fight

Francis Ngannou's Next UFC Fight Is In The Works, But It's Not Jon Jones Super-Fight

Ngannou looks set to return in the summer.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Francis Ngannou's next UFC fight is in the works, but it's NOT the Jon Jones super-fight.

Ngannou welcomed a clash with Jones following his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 last month.

The former UFC light-heavyweight champion issued a message to Ngannou and the UFC on the night 'The Predator' became UFC king.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But it appears 'Bones' has failed to agree terms with Dana White, who is looking elsewhere for Ngannou's first title defence.

According to Ariel Helwani, the promotion is targeting Ngannou versus former foe Derrick Lewis.

The ESPN reporter tweeted: "UFC has kicked the tires on Francis Ngannou x Derrick Lewis on June 12, sources say. 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."

He added: "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."

So, the UFC want Ngannou vs. Lewis II to headline UFC 263 on June 12.

Though, as Helwani reports, the timing does not work for Ngannou.

However, it does seem like the UFC are angling for the rematch instead of a monstrous bout between Ngannou and Jones.

Money appears to be the stumbling block with Team Jones outlining their demands to fight Ngannou, asking for $50 million (£36 million).

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Lewis, meanwhile, is riding an impressive four-fight winning streak having beaten Curtis Blaydes in his most recent contest.

Ngannou and Lewis first fought at UFC 226 back in July 2018, with 'The Black Beast' eking out a unanimous decision victory.

Featured Image Credit: PA/PA

Topics: Jon Jones, UFC News, Fight News, UFC, Francis Ngannou, Dana White

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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