Twitter reacts to Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane finalized, Francis Ngannou released
See the MMA community explode upon the confirmation of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 286 — in addition to the release of Francis Ngannou
UFC President Dana White may have been very angry with the way the news of it came out, but the long-awaited return of Jon Jones is now official — and the ramifications of it are massive.
Following a sign for it at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas reportedly being released early, White confirmed that Jones would be taking on Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 285 on March 4. That fight will also be for the now-vacant UFC heavyweight championship.
White added that Francis Ngannou, the now-former UFC heavyweight champion, is being unconditionally released from his deal with the promotion. There is no matching period; Ngannou is free to sign with any promotion he chooses.
Twitter reacts to Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane booked for heavyweight title at UFC 285 following release of Francis Ngannou
https://twitter.com/McGregorRousey/status/1614464273970765825
So you're telling me Jones comes back as soon as Ngannou leaves the UFC? Very convenient.
— The Combat Hub (@combathubreal) January 14, 2023
As excited as I am about the thought of Gane vs Jones, it’s hard to accept this as the end of Ngannou’s UFC reign. Of course I hope he’s able to leverage free agent status, but my heart hurts lol.
— MS (@UFC_Obsessed) January 15, 2023
Domestic abuser White gets no punishment. Domestic abuser Jon Jones rewarded with new contract.
— Fred Richani 🇱🇧🇻🇪 (@FredRichani) January 15, 2023
No. 1 heavyweight Francis Ngannou rightfully asks for raise and is told to take a hike.
Make it make sense. https://t.co/ypbi3uHtc3
Ngannou Fans vs Jones Fans today pic.twitter.com/UqqVfveFjt
— DOOM FM (@yung_crippin) January 14, 2023
The UFC are making a huge mistake if they let Francis sign with someone else.
— MMA Commander (@CommanderMma) January 14, 2023
He’s mainstream. Power on another level. Exciting. Good character. Great story. Jones v Ngannou would be an absolutely massive fight, and for the sake of a couple million they’re losing out on tens… pic.twitter.com/yuaN6iEnhh
ngannou is so fucking dumb dude, could’ve cashed out so hard vs jones https://t.co/FLFEiIOZtf
— ۟ (@trix42069) January 14, 2023
I can't wrap my head around the UFC releasing Francis Ngannou. He's huge (literally and in terms of star power) and is marketable, he has an endearing story. Maybe there's something we don't know idk. Jones vs Ngannou would have been bigger than Jones vs Gane.
— Fatima (@TKOverit) January 15, 2023
Dana White what are you doing. MMA is a star driven business, lowballing and cutting off one of your big stars when it’s uncertain how good a Mcgregor for example will be upon returning is foolish. Jones/Ngannou would’ve done a million buys. https://t.co/yLDahCE5ES
— Ibou, of WrestlePurists (@BackupHangman) January 15, 2023
Francis Ngannou released and Cyril Gane vs Jon Jones officially booked… What a time to be alive honestly
— TevTalksMMA (@TevTalksMMA) January 15, 2023
jones could ko ngannou and you still won’t ever catch me calling that wife-beater the goat 🫡🫡🫡🫡 https://t.co/MjBS9KOIWW
— hailee (@haileethehottie) January 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/rjgots9lives/status/1614431351834394627
This will mark Jones’s first fight in the Octagon since February 2020, when he controversially defeated Dominick Reyes to retain the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Since then, following a brief dispute with the UFC — which featured a potential fight with Ngannou falling through — where Jones at one point requested his release from the UFC, Jones has been preparing for a heavyweight debut.
Gane defeated Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 265 in August 2021 to become the interim heavyweight champion. This earned Gane a shot at Ngannou at UFC 270 a year ago — a fight Gane lost via decision, marking his sole loss in MMA thus far.
Gane rebounded with a finish of Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris in September.
That win over Gane is Ngannou’s most recent fight. Ngannou, who had been heavyweight champion since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in March 2021, failed to come to terms with the UFC. White claims the UFC’s final offer to Ngannou, which he turned down, would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history.
This news will now spark further speculation that Ngannou could be heading to the PFL and its new superfight division after a relative was seen in a social media post wearing a PFL shirt.
Next. UFC Vegas 67: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Sean Strickland live results. dark