Francis Ngannou weighs in on potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight: "This fight if it’s not money"

Francis Ngannou ended his nearly three-year hiatus from MMA competition last month as he defeated Renan Ferreira via first-round knockout at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants to claim the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. It marked his first mixed martial arts bout since his UFC departure, although he did take two boxing matches in his time away from the cage.

'The Predator' recently weighed in on the belt he once held as he shared his thoughts on a potential matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Speaking to TMZ Sports, the former UFC heavyweight champion claimed 'Bones' does not need the bout, stating:

"I think there's a negotiation situation here that's involved that we don't know all the ups and downs. We all know the situation that they use that in the negotation to say, 'Oh no, he doesn't want to fight this guy, he's scared.' And that's how the machine works. He's in the position to claim what he wants as he said. He said, 'Aspinall needs that fight, I don't need it.' And when you look at it, it's pretty much true."

Ngannou continued:

"There's nothing that he's going to have more [by] winning that fight if it's not money. But for Aspinall, which is someone coming and trying to cement his way in the division, that would be everything."

Check out Francis Ngannou's comments on Jon Jones facing Tom Aspinall below (2:10):

Jones has shared that he is interested in a superfight against Alex Pereira while adding that he is comfortable walking away from the sport. He recently revealed that he is in discussions with the UFC regarding his return to the octagon.

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Francis Ngannou maintains interest in Jon Jones matchup

Francis Ngannou appeared to be in line to welcome Jon Jones to the heavyweight division before vacating the title and leaving the UFC altogether in January 2023.

While he has since signed with the PFL, 'The Predator' revealed that he remains interested in a superfight against 'Bones' during a recent interview with TMZ Sports, stating:

"The reality is we both know we both want this fight, for sure. And it would be a good fight for us. There's more to this, like legacy and everything. I mean, I can finish my career at some point, but it will always be great to know that, okay, you faced that guy - that guy who is the best in the sport, to ever do the sport." [4:09]

Ngannou did note that he believes the bout is unlikely to come to fruition. He noted that he views Jones as the greatest fighter of all time but believes he can beat him.