Jon Jones paid attention to Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA — and he was impressed.
Ngannou headlined PFL’s Battle of the Giants pay-per-view card on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, facing Renan Ferreira. The former UFC heavyweight champ disposed of Ferreira in the first round with absolutely brutal ground and pound that left his opponent unconscious on the canvas.
Jones went on Twitter and put Ngannou, and his performance over.
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
“What an amazing job Francis did tonight, displayed a complete MMA game,” Jones wrote. “Great kicks, great takedowns. It feels good to see him shine. Wow congratulations Champ, I see you.”
Ngannou and Jones were linked to a potential fight for years before the former made the decision to leave the UFC and vacate the title. Jones would fight former interim champ Ciryl Gane for the vacant belt at UFC 285 in March 2023 and picked up a quick submission to win his second divisional title.
“The Predator” competed in MMA for the first time in nearly three years after taking a pair of boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, suffering losses in both contests.
Jones will now defend against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 next month at Madison Square Garden.
