UFC Legend Theorizes Why Jon Jones Is Upset With Francis Ngannou

One UFC legend has weighed in on Jon Jones' beef with newly-signed PFL fighter Francis Ngannou.
UFC Legend Theorizes Why Jon Jones Is Upset With Francis Ngannou
UFC Legend Theorizes Why Jon Jones Is Upset With Francis Ngannou /

A former UFC title contender has a theory on Jon Jones' beef with Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, ended his free agency when he recently signed with the PFL. "The Predator" was never beaten for the UFC gold. The title was vacated once Ngannou and the UFC parted ways after failing to come to terms on a new deal.

Since Ngannou's PFL signing was announced, Jones, the current UFC Heavyweight Champion, has taken aim at Ngannou. He has hurled insults on social media and even crashed his teammate's interview to fire shots at the new Chairman of PFL Africa.

VIDEO: UFC Champion Jon Jones Crashes Interview To Roast Francis Ngannou

In a new video posted on his YouTube channel, former UFC middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen believes Jones' tirade has left Ngannou confused.

"Perhaps Jon Jones, with the fear, with the size, with the strength of Francis Ngannou, perhaps he saw that the quickest and clearest path to earning that respect of perception," Sonnen said. "I will tell you, I'm quite confident that this is catching Francis off guard. I'm quite confident that Francis is looking around going, 'Wait a minute, if you wanted to fight me so bad, if I'm the guy, why didn't you tell me?'"

Ultimately, Sonnen believes that "Bones" wants fight fans to know that he truly wanted to throw down with Ngannou.

"I think he really wants Francis," Sonnen said. "I think he actually is mad. I think he wants you all to know he was willing to take on Francis. Now, being willing and who's gonna beat who, you're having two different conversations here, but you gotta start with one. I never knew Jon wanted the fight as bad as he wants it. I believe him, I think that he's sincere. I don't think he's all of a sudden found his balls because Francis is gone. I think he's sincerely upset at this, and I'll bet you that Francis didn't know. I'll bet you that Francis is a little surprised himself."

READ MORE: UFC Contender Sean O'Malley Questions Viability Of Francis Ngannou's PFL Deal

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Fernando Quiles Jr.
FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.