Francis Ngannou will have the next shot at Stipe Miocic for the world heavyweight crown, says Dana White. David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Dana White reiterates Francis Ngannou will fight Stipe Miocic before Jon Jones

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/19/20

Even the man seen by many as the most talented competitor in UFC history has to wait in line.

After Stipe Miocic successfully defended his world heavyweight championship against Daniel Cormier last Saturday night, UFC boss Dana White told reporters that top contender Francis Ngannou was next up to face Miocic. Some, however, assumed White could change his mind after Jon Jones announced via Twitter on Monday that he had voluntarily relinquished the light heavyweight title to move up to the heavyweight division.

That wasn't the case as of Tuesday night when White spoke on ESPN about the subject:

"That's definitely the fight that's going to happen at heavyweight now," White said of a future Miocic versus Ngannou bout. "Francis Ngannou has earned that title shot. Then we'll see what happens.

"We have the top 4-5 guys laid out for fights coming up in the fall. So we'll see when Jon Jones' timing is to come back and who makes sense for him."

Jones hasn't fought since Feb. 8 when he defended the light heavyweight strap via decision over Dominick Reyes even though many spectators and journalists scored the contest in favor of Reyes.

"He's the longtime light heavyweight champion," White said when discussing Jones' future.

"In my opinion, he's the greatest of all time, and if he wants to come back and take a shot at the heavyweight championship, I wouldn't have a problem with that.

"But he can't just jump in front of Ngannou right now."

One person who could have something to say about all this is Miocic, who cemented his legacy at Saturday's UFC 252 show as the most accomplished heavyweight in the promotion's history. The champ turned 38 years old on Wednesday, he defeated Ngannou in January 2018, and he could hold the belt hostage and demand a big-money fight against Jones.

Miocic isn't required to defend the championship before the year ends. Now could be the best time for him to negotiate his desired walk-off bout if he is considering retiring before his 40th birthday.

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