What a Fight Between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou Would Look Like
- Austin Jones
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
What a Fight Between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou Would Look Like
In this blog, we’ll break down the different aspects of a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou and how it might unfold inside the Octagon.
The Tactical Genius of Jon Jones
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists (MMA) of all time. His approach to fighting is centered around a combination of technical prowess, unpredictable creativity, and a mastery of multiple disciplines. Jones has the ability to control a fight with his striking, clinch work, and exceptional wrestling.
What makes Jones so dangerous is his versatility. He can switch between orthodox and southpaw stances seamlessly, making it incredibly hard for opponents to predict his attacks. His strikes are diverse—he uses everything from elbows and spinning back fists to oblique kicks and head kicks. Additionally, Jones is an expert in takedowns, transitions, and ground control, making him a formidable threat in all areas of the fight.
The Unstoppable Force of Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou, on the other hand, brings raw power and aggression to the Octagon. With an explosive knockout record, Ngannou’s strength is his most dangerous weapon. His heavy hands have the ability to end a fight in the blink of an eye. He’s knocked out some of the best heavyweights in the world with brutal power, leaving no doubt that his fists are capable of altering the course of any fight.
Ngannou’s ability to throw bombs from any angle, coupled with his incredible athleticism, makes him one of the most feared fighters in the heavyweight division. Although his technical game has improved since his early UFC days, his primary focus is still landing those game-changing punches. In this fight, Ngannou’s strategy would likely revolve around closing the distance and landing one of his massive hooks or uppercuts to secure the knockout.
The Clash of Styles
When it comes to contrasting styles, Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou are the epitome of opposite ends of the spectrum. Jones is the fighter with superior technique, precision, and adaptability, while Ngannou brings a level of raw power and explosiveness that can overwhelm anyone.
If the fight remains at range, Jones will likely use his superior footwork, reach advantage, and striking variety to control the tempo. He’ll attempt to avoid Ngannou’s knockout power by staying light on his feet and staying out of range. We’ve seen Jones use his clinch game effectively, especially with his elbows, which could prove crucial against a fighter like Ngannou. Jones would want to keep Ngannou at bay, tire him out, and take the fight into deep waters.
However, Ngannou’s best chance to win lies in closing the distance and landing one clean shot. He’s known for his power, and if he connects with a punch, Jones could find himself in serious trouble. Ngannou’s best path to victory would likely involve catching Jones with a heavy shot during an exchange or pushing the pace early, making Jones uncomfortable and forcing him to engage in a firefight.
The Ground Game
While Ngannou has shown significant improvements in his wrestling and grappling, it’s safe to say that Jon Jones holds the advantage in this area. Jones has an elite wrestling background, and his ability to take opponents down and control them on the ground is one of his most dangerous attributes. If Jones can successfully get Ngannou to the ground, he would likely dominate from top position, using his ground and pound to wear Ngannou down.
Ngannou, however, has proven to be incredibly difficult to submit, as he boasts a strong defensive grappling game. His strength and physicality make it tough for opponents to hold him down, but Jones’ top control and submission game are at a different level. If Jones manages to neutralize Ngannou’s power and take the fight to the ground, the fight could quickly shift in his favor.
The Mental Aspect
The mental battle in a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou is also a key factor. Jones is known for his psychological warfare—his ability to get into his opponent’s head, as we’ve seen with fighters like Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson. He’s a master of playing the mental game, which can throw off his opponents and make them second-guess their strategy.
Ngannou, on the other hand, is more of a straight-forward, no-nonsense fighter. He’s not known for his trash talk or mind games, and it’s clear he prefers to let his fists do the talking. However, if Jones can get into Ngannou’s head, he may be able to influence his decision-making inside the cage, making him more susceptible to mistakes.
The End Game
Ultimately, the outcome of this fight will depend on who can impose their will first. If Jones is able to stay patient, use his technical striking, and avoid Ngannou’s power, he’ll likely outpoint the big man over five rounds. His ability to tire out opponents with his pace and ground control could wear down Ngannou and lead to a decision victory or a late submission.
On the other hand, if Ngannou can land his power punches early, the fight may not make it past the first round. A knockout from Ngannou is always a possibility, and with his punching power, he only needs one clean connection to turn the lights off on any fighter.
FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down
A fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou would be a battle of brains versus brawn. Jones’ calculated approach, experience, and fight IQ against Ngannou’s raw power and destructive knockout potential would create a fascinating dynamic. While both men have the tools to claim victory, it’s the implementation of their strategies inside the Octagon that will determine who walks away with the title.
If this fight does take place, it will undoubtedly be one for the history books, showcasing the very best that the UFC has to offer.
