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Despite their rivalry in competing promotions, Jon Jones is backing Francis Ngannou in his upcoming boxing match against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8. Ngannou, the current UFC heavyweight champion, stunned the world with his boxing debut against Tyson Fury, and he aims to continue his success against Joshua.
"I'm rooting for Francis to win only because of his story, how far he’s coming in life, him being a fellow mixed martial artist," Jones expressed during the PFL vs. Bellator card. "How could you not root for Francis? Francis is a wonderful, stand-up person. I’m rooting for Francis."
Jones, while supporting Ngannou, acknowledges the challenge ahead, respecting Joshua's accomplishments in the boxing world. Despite not picking Ngannou as the victor, Jones sees potential matchups in his future, including fights against interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
"I feel like there’s a lot of fights that the world wants right now," Jones remarked. "The Tom Aspinall fight, that’s really massive. Francis Ngannou and I would be really massive, and Stipe [Miocic] to the hardcore fans, it’s still a respectable opponent. I don’t know how the cards are going to fall."
“Anthony Joshua, he’s been doing this since he’s a young boy, and I’m the type of guy that just gives respect where it’s due,” Jones said. “If I had to personally put my money on it, not that I gamble, I would put it on Anthony Joshua, but I am rooting for Francis Ngannou. Sorry, Francis.”
Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion, won the title in a dominant performance against Ciryl Gane. He remains focused on his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle and is optimistic about future fights, including a potential rematch with Miocic.
While Jones gives credit to Joshua for his boxing career, he stands by his prediction of victories over Miocic, Aspinall, and Ngannou. As for Ngannou, despite not betting on him, Jones is firmly in his corner for the upcoming bout against Joshua.