Francis Ngannou’s coach believes that the heavyweight title contender is unlikely to return to action this year, and has his sights set on a potential fight with Jon Jones in early 2023.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, coach Brandon Swan said that Ngannou is currently focused on spending time with his family and has no immediate plans to return to the Octagon.
“He’s taking some time off,” Swan said. “I think he’s just enjoying life and hanging out with his family. Right now, there’s nothing on the horizon.”
Swan added that he would like to see Ngannou fight Jones at some point in the future, preferably in early 2023.
“I would like to see him fight Jon Jones,” Swan said. “I think that would be a great fight for him, and I think it would be a great fight for the fans. I think it would be a great way to start off 2023.”
Ngannou is currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC’s heavyweight division, behind only champion Stipe Miocic. He last fought in March, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Miocic in a rematch of their 2018 bout.
Richard Schaefer, advisor to Jon Jones, will meet with UFC officials this weekend to discuss the former light heavyweight champion’s potential move to the heavyweight division.
Jones has been linked with a move to heavyweight for some time, and Schaefer said that they are now looking to make it happen.
“We’re going to be meeting with the UFC this weekend to discuss Jon’s move to heavyweight,” Schaefer told MMA Junkie. “I think the time has come for him to make the move, and I think the UFC is open to it.”
Schaefer added that they are looking at Jones’ debut in the heavyweight division possibly taking place early next year.