Daniel Cormier says UFC could use Francis Ngannou to gain edge in Jon Jones talks

Daniel Cormier has suggested that the UFC might use the idea of bringing back Francis Ngannou to strengthen their position in talks with Jon Jones.

Jon Jones, despite initial reluctance from Dana White to include him on the White House card, revealed earlier this month that discussions for his return were already underway.

Cormier discussed the situation on his YouTube channel, suggesting that the UFC could use Ngannou as leverage given how challenging negotiations with ‘Bones’ have been in the past.

“Jon Jones gives you too many problems to get on the White House or it’s not working, Francis Ngannou’s on the market,” he said. “You kind of pivot and go, ‘Well, Francis, can we get together and talk about maybe you fighting at the White House.’ That takes a little bit of that leverage from the Jones side.”

Dana White has indicated that details of the UFC White House card will be released tomorrow, so it’s possible that any agreement with Jones was reached before Ngannou became available again.

Instead, it seems more likely we’ll see ‘The Predator’ make his MMA return on Netflix’s fight night between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Dana White blamed Jon Jones’ demands for preventing huge Francis Ngannou clash

A potential return for Jon Jones under UFC terms now appears far more realistic than a long-discussed showdown with Francis Ngannou.

However, back in 2020, Dana White pointed to Jones as the main reason the superfight between the two former heavyweight champions never materialized.

Speaking to ESPN MMA at the time, the UFC president said ‘Bones’ had requested what he described as “absurd” money for the fight, adding that Jones referenced the purse Deontay Wilder received for his bout with Tyson Fury.

Despite being widely seen as one of the most anticipated fights in the sport, the matchup never happened, particularly after Ngannou failed to reach a new contract agreement with the UFC in January 2023.

Ngannou ultimately left the promotion, vacating the heavyweight title that Jones went on to capture just two months later.