“Bones” liked what he saw with Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou scored a massive win in his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts (MMA) at PFL Super Fights: “Battle of the Giants” today (Sat., Oct. 19, 2024) when he smashed Renan Ferreira unconscious in the first round from inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (watch highlights).
Immediately after the fight, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion Jon Jones took to social media to praise Ngannou.
“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,” Jones wrote.
It was a surprise to see Jones shower Ngannou with praise, especially given their rocky professional relationship.
The Heavyweights circled each other in early 2020, but the promotion could not match either fighter’s high salary demands. Once Jones returned to active competition, Ngannou exited UFC to make “life-changing money” in boxing – leaving the potential biggest fight in the promotion as just a dream.
While Professional Fighters League (PFL) co-owner Donn Davis has tried to make Jones vs. Ngannou as a co-promotion with UFC, UFC CEO Dana White has shown zero interest.
Nevertheless, Ngannou is now on a seven-fight win streak in mixed martial arts (MMA), and Jones is making his long-awaited return to competition next month at 309 inside Madison Square Garden.
Ngannou believes Jones has a “50/50 shot” against Stipe Miocic.
For PFL: “Battle of the Giants” results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.
