Jon Jones Praises Rival Francis Ngannou for Spectacular PFL KO

Jon Jones drops the rivalry to laud Francis Ngannou's PFL performance.

Ngannou (PFL) / Jones (Getty)

Jon Jones dropped all animosity toward his former rival Francis Ngannou, who overcame insurmountable odds to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title on October 19.

Ngannou, recovering from a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March, and the personal loss of his son, Kobe, in April, carried a heavy heart into his PFL debut. He would win devastatingly, knocking PFL champ Renan Ferreira unconscious in the first round and dedicating the win to his son in a heartfelt post-fight speech.

"Without Kobe, we wouldn't be here tonight. I hope they can remember his name."

Francis Ngannou dedicated his #PFLSuperFights win to his son Kobe, who died at 15 months old back in April. pic.twitter.com/6m6PcE0Xjm

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 19, 2024

Powerful words from Francis Ngannou:

“I recently just found out that I wasn’t tough.”

“You kind of ask yourself ‘is this ever gonna be over’. You think it might never be over, you just may as well learn how to live with it… I don’t think a lifetime would be enough to… pic.twitter.com/pGZ2SQtAyb

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 20, 2024

Jones Heaps Praise on Ngannou

Ngannou's sentiments gripped the combat sports community and the attention of Jon Jones, a fighter with whom he has feuded in the past. 'Bones' took to X after the result to heap praise on Ngannou in a gesture of respect.

"What an amazing job Francis did tonight," Jones wrote. "Displayed a complete MMA game. Great kicks, great takedowns. It feels good to see him shine. Wow congratulations Champ, I see you."

What an amazing job Francis did tonight, displayed a complete MMA game. Great kicks, great takedowns. It feels good to see him shine. Wow congratulations Champ, I see you.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 20, 2024

Jones defends his UFC heavyweight title at UFC 309 this December. Ngannou successfully defended his lineal MMA heavyweight title and secured the PFL Super Fights heavyweight belt. The next steps in Ngannou's career are undecided.

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