Jones Officially Retires; Ngannou Responds to White’s Comments

Following Jon Jones’s unexpected retirement, former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has responded to UFC CEO Dana White’s remarks regarding his potential return to the sport. White stated he ‘would be shocked if Francis ever came back’.

Jones had been a focal point for UFC fans for several months, particularly due to his reluctance to engage in a fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall. The UFC and Jones faced considerable pressure from fans, stemming from the American’s hesitation to accept a unification bout with Aspinall.

However, during a fight night event in Azerbaijan, White declared the end of the seven-month-long uncertainty in the heavyweight division, announcing Jones’s official retirement and Aspinall as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Aspinall addressed fans on Instagram, assuring them of his commitment to being an active champion. He stated, ‘For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active, undisputed champion.’

While potential contenders for Aspinall are limited, many fans have expressed interest in seeing Ngannou return. Ngannou had previously hinted at a possible comeback, a suggestion White promptly dismissed.

On Saturday, White reiterated his skepticism about Ngannou’s return, saying he would be surprised if it happened. He stated, ‘One thing I’ve learned over the years about Francis, Francis doesn’t always mean what he says publicly behind the scenes are different than what he says publicly. I’m not a big fan, I would be shocked if Francis ever came back here, on lots of different levels, I’m not a fan and he doesn’t always mean what he says publicly.’

Ngannou responded to White’s comments on social media, questioning, ‘Did I say I’m ever coming back?’ When a fan urged Ngannou to reclaim his UFC heavyweight title, he replied, ‘I don’t remember losing it, mate. It’s still in my closet.’

While a fight between Aspinall and Ngannou could be a major event, especially after the anticipated Jones-Aspinall bout, the identity of Aspinall’s first official title defense opponent remains uncertain.