^ Let's just move on about the fighter payments because we can not do something about it Dana White is controlling it and if he wants to just give this small amount to his fighter then that is what is going to do because he owns UFC,
I think it's still worthy of discussion because it's seriously keeping both the sports of UFC and boxing back. We're going to lose great MMA fighters and be deprived of exciting cross-over events like Tyson/Ngannou. We also won't get new fighters signing with the UFC knowing that they're going to be stiffed. I know Dana is running a business and needs to make money but I think we can all agree fighters should be getting paid more. I don't think fighters should get greedy or too big-headed either but they should be paid what they deserve and Francis Ngannou should not be getting paid anything less than 1 million a fight right now. Dialogue about pay is good because it puts pressure on the UFC to make things right. Even that recent Jake Paul diss track is getting a lot of media attention and shining a spotlight on the restrictive UFC contracts so this sort of pressure is good because it'll likely lead to the UFC doing something about it to counter negative press. The UFC counts fighters as 'independent contractors' but they're really not. If they were then they could do what they want. They also have to wear all the UFC branded gear with the UFC sponsors on and normally all that sponsorship money would go to the fighters so that's another way they're getting stiffed out of money.
In case this fight turns to be first Jones fight after big break I would bet all money on Ngannou to win.
Not sure I'm going to be that confident if this fight does end up happening, however you can bet all your money that I'll be cheering on Ngannou to knock out Jones. It isn't a secret that I don't like Jones, I think Jones has created a reputation for himself outside of MMA, and that's taken away from his achievements that hes got in the cage. A shame because he's one of the best MMA fighters to have entered the UFC, dominated for a period, but looked a little shaky towards the end of his career.
The only thing making me think that he will return is surely he's going to need some money at some point? Fighters usually need to fight to pay the bills and I can't imagine he's got many if any sponsors right now so what is he living on right now? The thing that gets me is is that Jones doesn't actually seem like a bad guy. Seems quite nice really but always gets himself into trouble. He just needs to come back and make a name for himself again and put his past behind him. Ngannou hasn't got many options left really for worthy opponents so I'd love to see this fight happen. It'll surely be a huge draw for the UFC and at least Dana is actively trying to make it happen but I'm sure it'll all come down to money and both fighters are going to be wanting big bucks for this.
Francis has a couple of advantages just of the top of my head. Firstly, he is accustomed to fighting at that weight. Whatever time Jon takes to gradually put up the weight and to accustom himself to it through training camp, it can't compare to actually fighting at that weight, especially in 5 rounders. The second is continuity. Sure, Dom Cruz said ring rust doesn't exist, but still, Francis has had more continuity over the past couple of years than Jon, and that could also play a factor. And thirdly, I just think Francis has a lot more to prove and a bigger chip on his shoulder right now than Jon, and that could drive him forward.
Jones is probably more athletic and could have better cardio than Francis. We saw how tired he got in the late rounds with Gane so anything can happen. It would be an interesting fight but I'd hope for a spectacular Francis KO.
Anyone still believes we will see Jon Jones in octagon? Or see him against Ngannou? Jon Jones has been inactive for 2 years. Usually fighters that come from such a pause lose. If Jones returns and losses in his first fight in heavyweight, would people be still interested in him? Specially with his behavior.
If Dana offered him the big bucks he'd probably fight tomorrow. I think he demanded 30 million to fight Francis if the articles can be believed:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/jon-jones-makes-huge-purse-23969454Realistically for that sort of fight he's going to want a few million. Give them that and a decent cut of PPV sales so it gives them encouragement to sell the fight. Like I said before, if Brock Lesner can get 2.5 million then these two should be getting the same if not more. That's gotta be a far bigger PPV draw that Lesner. Who cares about a wrestler vs two of the all time greats?
Sucks...
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