UFC heavyweight fighter slams decision of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane title fight

Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will reportedly meet in a heavyweight title fight at UFC 285, as per a poster put up by the T-Mobile Arena, which is considered to be the promotion's home ground. Jones himself also confirmed Gane as his next opponent in a subsequent interview.

UFC heavyweight prospect Chris Daukaus is seemingly not very happy with the matchup between Jones and Gane. Daukaus' first concern is number-four ranked contender Curtis Blaydes being left out of the title mix. The former Philly cop wrote on Twitter:

"Guess they just said “f**k Curtis Blaydes” huh?"

Both Blaydes and Gane were reportedly being considered as potential replacements for Francis Ngannou if the heavyweight champ can't welcome Jon Jones to the octagon in March. While the UFC had initial concerns regarding the Frenchman's recovery timeline, it seems like 'Bon Gamin' has finally won the bid.

Another fighter being left out of the mix is former heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic, who has stayed silent despite reportedly being in consideration for Jones' return fight. According to Chris Daukaus, Miocic is done fighting for good. The 33-year-old wrote:

"Thought Curtis was getting it if Francis wasn’t ready by this time. Guess no one knows anything. I think Stipe is done fighting. Source: none"

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Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane reports casts more doubts on Francis Ngannou's future in the UFC

Francis Ngannou hasn't fought since his first title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. 'The Predator' has since been embroiled in a contract dispute with the UFC, with only a title fight clause holding him from being a free agent.

However, some speculated that Ngannou might have already become a free agent back in November 2022. The heavyweight champ's mother recently sporting a PFL t-shirt led to even more confusion.

The announcement of a heavyweight title-clash between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane casts more doubt on Ngannou's future as the promotion recently announced that the former champ will be stripped of his title. Chris Daukaus wonders if Ngannou's return is being delayed by contract disputes or lingering effects from knee surgery that 'The Predator' underwent last year. Daukaus wrote:

"Big questions are surrounding Francis, How is his rehab going, is this just bc of a prolonged rehab? More contract/resigning disputes?"