Jon Jones hits back at fan for suggesting that he ‘showed up’ only after Francis Ngannou left the UFC

After three long years, Jon Jones is finally returning to the octagon in a substantial heavyweight title clash. But one fan believes that he has only agreed to fight now that Francis Ngannou has left the UFC.

Despite having numerous controversies outside the cage, 'Bones' is still regarded by most as one of the greatest to ever step foot into the octagon. While he is as well-rounded as it gets, the former light heavyweight champion's extended hiatus from competing could force him to deal with some 'ring rust'.

While in a dispute on social media, one fan insisted that Jon Jones only "showed up" due to Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC, prompting a response from the Hall-of-Famer.

"Yeah, that's funny, that's not how it happened my friend. I was ready to fight about six months ago, you all heard Dana [White], 'Ready to fight absolutely anyone.' Francis should've had this fight, not Gane. Nice try though."

The 35-year-old wanted to take time to put on the weight and get ready to compete at heavyweight. Although it took much longer than everybody expected, the star looks fantastic in recent training videos with the added muscle.

Despite a contract disagreement between 'The Predator' and the UFC potentially stopping fans from seeing one of the biggest and most anticipated fights in the history of the sport, Ciryl Gane is a brilliant opponent for Jon Jones.

'Bon Gamin' managed to take Ngannou to the fifth round during their fight last year and was just one round away from defeating the powerhouse. With just 12 bouts into his MMA career, the Frenchman is already one of the biggest title threats in the weight class.

---

Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou: Why did the super fight never come to fruition?

Ahead of UFC 260, Jon Jones announced his intention to leave the light heavyweight division behind and make a sensational move up in weight to test himself against the winner of either Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou.

Disputes over pay from the UFC ensued, forcing Jones to sit on the sidelines until something can be resolved between the two parties, ultimately putting doubt on the megafight.

The matchup was put on hold indefinitely when Ngannou fought out the remaining fight of his contract and walked away from the octagon, with the free agent still not set for his next career move.