Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Jon Jones provides bold take on chances of a UFC return for Francis Ngannou
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Even with the tumultuous history between Dana White and Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones still thinks fans could see “The Predator” return to the UFC at some point.

The UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion has been a staple of combat sports headlines in recent months thanks to the ongoing saga around a title unification bout with Tom Aspinall, who currently holds the division’s interim belt.

Jones’ latest comments haven’t exactly reassured fans that the fight will ever happen, but “Bones” did recently weigh-in on the chances of if former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou could return to the Octagon after his appearance at UFC Atlanta.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Francis Ngannou Surprised Fans At UFC Atlanta

Ngannou caused a major stir in the combat sports world last week when he showed up in full UFC attire to support Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta, and this week Jones suggested that he wouldn’t be surprised if “The Predator” could return to the UFC himself at some point.

Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

“I think Dana gets things done,” Jones said on the Full Send Podcast. “I think business speaks before emotions, and if Francis presents himself in a humble way, I think he could very easily be back in the UFC… Dana White – he’s one of the best sports minds in recent history for a reason. And money talks, Francis brings eyes. And I’m sure Dana will be interested.”

After claiming the UFC heavyweight belt in a rematch with Stipe Miocic at UFC 260, Ngannou defended the title against Ciryl Gane but famously waited out his UFC contract in order to test free agency and eventually sign on with the PFL.

Jon Jones Cites His Own Relationship With Dana White

Ngannou competed in two boxing matches before he knocked out Renan Ferreira in his first PFL fight last October, and in the immediate aftermath of his UFC exit White was less than commentary of the promotion’s former heavyweight champion.

Jones hasn’t always been White’s favorite fighter during a Hall of Fame-worthy career that’s unfortunately been marred by various controversies, and the 37-year-old went on to say that he’s a perfect example of how White’s opinion of someone can change over time.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I feel like I’m an example of like – people they grow, they mature, and time changes things. Time heals all. There were moments in my career where I felt like Dana absolutely hated me, and now I feel like he’s a big advocator for me.”

A Jones vs. Ngannou heavyweight clash was high on many fans’ wish lists before the latter fighter moved on to the PFL, and perhaps “Bones” is waiting to see if that matchup could still be a possibility while he continues frustrating the fans that want to see him return to action this year and face Aspinall.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

What’s Next For Max Holloway?
MMA

What’s Next For Max Holloway?

Max Holloway retained his BMF belt with a win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, as we look at his next steps. The win keeps Holloway firmly in the top five of the UFC’s lightweight rankings and opens the door to several major fights. At the UFC 318 post-fight press conference, Dan White praised Holloway’s performance, suggesting a rematch with Topuria—who knocked Holloway out earlier in 2024—could happen. The BMF belt was not up for grabs, as a second bout could give Topuria added incentive to run it back. Options Holloway, meanwhile, isn’t short on options. Along with calling out Topuria, he’s also expressed interest in a rematch with Charles Oliveira if a title shot doesn’t materialize. The two first met in 2015, when Holloway won via first-round TKO after Oliveira suffered a freak oesophagus injury. Holloway has since questioned the legitimacy of that result and says now is the ideal time to settle unfinished business. If those fights don’t play out, Holloway could target Dan Hooker. The latter is known for his striking, much like Holloway, as it presents a thrilling match-up. Hooker is still ranked in the UFC lightweight top 15 and is always close to big matchups as shown on his resume, having faced Poirier and Chandler to name a few. Holloway even mentioned his name after his Poirier win. “I love that, you gotta work your way up. So we can let them know. I mean, I’m not saying no to Dan Hooker, but I’m just saying, can we please have a BMF ranking so we can see it? “Actually, I don’t even know if it’s UFC. Can we get the fans to do it? Because UFC’s rankings is slacking all over the place,” Holloway stated

Packers Could Replace Jaire Alexander With Player You Wouldn’t Believe
NFL

Packers Could Replace Jaire Alexander With Player You Wouldn’t Believe

The Green Bay Packers released star cornerback Jaire Alexander earlier this offseason, which frustrated the fan base because they did so without an obvious solution. Packers fans have been clamoring for the team to sign veteran and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, but Green Bay does not appear all that interested in doing so. But you know who could represent a possible replacement for Alexander? Wide receiver Bo Melton. Yes, you read that right: wide receiver Bo Melton. Melton has started Packers training camp as a cornerback, which could ultimately lead to the 26-year-old assuming a major role in Green Bay’s secondary. Why the position switch? Well, Melton was struggling finding playing time in the Packers’ receiving corps as it was. Now, Green Bay added Matthew Golden and Savon Williams into the equation, so the chances of him actually getting on the field as a receiver in 2025 are slim to none. Melton logged just eight catches for 91 yards last season, and in 2024, he finished with 16 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. The funny thing is, he actually has shown promise in very limited action, but there is simply no room for him. The Rutgers product seems to want to stay in Green Bay, hence his decision to flip to the other side of the ball. He knows he has no chance to play as a wide out. Why not utilize his athleticism as a cornerback? Of course, this does not necessarily mean that Melton will serve as Alexander’s primary replacement. In fact, it would be pretty concerning if the Packers choose not to bring in another corner between now and the start of the regular season. But hey, maybe Melton will be so impressive in camp that Green Bay will actually give him a look.

Charlotte Hornets Reportedly Release 24-Year-Old Guard
NBA

Charlotte Hornets Reportedly Release 24-Year-Old Guard

Damion Baugh spent his rookie season in the NBA playing for the Charlotte Hornets. The 24-year-old had averages of 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 32.3% from the field in 15 games. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hornets will now waive Baugh. Via Scotto: "The Charlotte Hornets are waiving two-way player Damion Baugh, league sources told @hoopshype . Charlotte is waiving Baugh to clear a spot for the addition of Antonio Reeves on a two-way contract." ESPN's Shams Charania had first reported that the Hornets were signing Reeves. Via Charania: "The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Antonio Reeves to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. The 2024 Pelicans second-round pick averaged 6.9 points and 40% 3-point shooting in 44 games as a rookie last season."

Tigers, Blue Jays trending in opposite directions after break
MLB

Tigers, Blue Jays trending in opposite directions after break

The Toronto Blue Jays didn't cool off in their first road game since the All-Star break, rolling to an 11-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The teams will play the second game of a four-game series on Friday night. Toronto was held scoreless until the sixth, then racked up all of its runs in a three-inning span. The Blue Jays, who had a 10-game winning streak shortly before the break, have won six of seven games since the Mid-Summer Classic. "These guys have been relentless," Toronto manager John Schneider said. "I've heard a lot of talk about us being a gritty team that isn't sustainable. I think the exact opposite. I think we're gritty as hell, but I think a lot of the stuff that we're doing is going to lead to a lot of wins." Jose Berrios (6-4, 3.87 ERA), who will start for the Blue Jays on Friday, has a 2-1 record in four July starts despite a 7.11 ERA. He collected a victory on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants despite being charged with four runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Berrios was pulled after just three innings in his previous outing, when he allowed four runs and five hits against the Athletics. Before that, he posted eight quality starts in 10 outings. The veteran right-hander is 7-3 with a 4.23 ERA in 16 career appearances (15 starts) against Detroit. He had a no-decision against the Tigers on May 18 after giving up two runs and eight hits in six innings. Detroit's Keider Montero (4-2, 4.28 ERA) will make his 15th appearance and ninth start of the season. Montero has gotten plenty of chances to seize the No. 5 spot in the rotation, vacated when prized rookie Jackson Jobe required Tommy John surgery, but hasn't secured it. Following a sharp six-inning stint against Tampa Bay on July 7, Montero gave up three runs and five hits in three-plus innings against the Seattle Mariners on July 12. In his first post-All-Star-break outing, Montero allowed four runs, four hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings against the Texas Rangers on Saturday. The second-year right-hander faced Toronto once last season, surrendering five runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. The Tigers still hold an eight-game lead in the American League Central but they are playing more like cellar-dwellers. They have lost 10 of their last 11 games, including four straight. Detroit is 1-6 since the break, having scored just 13 runs during that span. The Tigers were limited to a Jahmai Jones solo homer on Thursday until they scored three meaningless runs in the ninth. The team and its fans were spoiled by a glorious three months, and now the club is dealing with adversity for the first time this season. "You know, it's been 11 days, but it feels like it's been a lot longer, and I think maybe that's because of the (All-Star) break," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. "A lot of it is just the way that baseball is. We can choose to bring that garbage into tomorrow, or we can reset and get back after it. "I know this team, I know the conversation around it over the last couple weeks. We've got to piece it back together."