Francis Ngannou confirms he won't return to UFC amid co-promotion talks
- Francis Ngannou's coach has confirmed that he will not be returning to the UFC, focusing instead on opportunities within the PFL.
- There is strong interest in a potential match between Ngannou and current heavyweight champion Jon Jones, which could happen through co-promotional efforts.
- The MMA landscape is changing, with significant retirements and new pathways forming for fighters, including the recent official retirement of Jose Aldo.
In recent developments in mixed martial arts, Francis Ngannou's coach confirmed that Ngannou has no plans to return to the UFC. Following his departure in early 2023, which included vacating the heavyweight title, Ngannou has since pursued opportunities in boxing and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Ngannou made a notable comeback to mixed martial arts last October, where he earned a victory over Renan Ferreira in the first round of a PFL bout. His desire to face Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall remains prominent, as his coach believes co-promotional opportunities between the PFL and UFC could facilitate this high-stakes match-up, likening it to a historic boxing event. On the other hand, Jon Jones, who won the UFC heavyweight championship, has been referenced in discussions regarding potential match-ups, signifying that both fighters are key players in the current heavyweight landscape. Meanwhile, the recent announcement that Jose Aldo has officially left the UFC roster following his retirement has created a massive wave of reactions from fans and the MMA community. Aldo’s departure signifies the end of a legendary chapter in MMA history, marked by his renowned record and accolades. The fight landscape continues to evolve with discussions of retirements, returns, and the future prospects of these high-profile fighters, amidst fluctuating relationships between promotions and fighters. The ongoing complexities in negotiations hint at possible future confrontations that could reshape the sport's dynamics as both Ngannou and Jones navigate their respective career paths.