Jon Jones SLAMS Francis Ngannou as he claims the Cameroonian ‘didn’t believe in himself’ to beat him

Jon Jones believes Francis Ngannou is to blame for a heavyweight fight not taking place between them.

The pair seemed poised to meet for the heavyweight title until Ngannou parted ways with the UFC last month after failing to agree on terms of a new contract.

And Jones says the Cameroonian is to blame as he “didn’t believe in himself” to win, claiming he feels sorry for the fans who were eager for the fight to take place.

“I don’t think it deserves any criticism,” Jones told RMC Sport. ‘I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me and chose not to take the opportunity.

‘If there is someone to criticize, it is Francis Ngannou. If I’m not mistaken, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history.

Jon Jones says former champion Francis Ngannou ‘didn’t believe in himself’ to beat him

Ngannou parted ways with the UFC last month after failing to agree to terms of a new contract.

‘He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis did not believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to bet on himself.

‘I felt bad for the fans. I know it would have been a great fight for the fans,” Jones said. People all over the world would have loved to see that event.

“And I don’t rule it out, I could see Francis going and fighting boxing and doing whatever he’s going to do. I think he will always be welcome back in the UFC. That’s always going to be a great, great fight, and I’ll be ready for it.’

Instead, Jones will fight Ciryl Gane next weekend for the vacant title at UFC 285 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

The former light heavyweight champion has not fought since February 2020 and subsequently announced his intention to bulk up and move up the division.

Jones’ final performance inside the Octagon was marred by controversy, as several fans suggested Reyes had outplayed him, despite picking up a unanimous decision win.

Gane, on the other hand, won his last fight convincingly, but not before being outpointed by Francis Ngannou in his first heavyweight title attempt.

Jones will face French heavyweight Ciryl Gane in a UFC heavyweight title fight.