Let’s Set Odds: Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones

Francis Ngannou defied the odds, literally, when he defended his UFC Heavyweight championship belt against Ciryl Gane. He cashed as an underdog despite being the more decorated fighter and beat Gane at his own game, a grappling contest that included several takedowns by Ngannou.

Oh, and he allegedly did it on a torn MCL.

So, now what? Ngannou has seemingly conquered the sport, handing Gane his first loss of his career on top of the fact that his UFC future appears in doubt due to contract negotiations. However, there is always the idea of Jon Jones fighting him.

'Bones' Jones has not fought since 2020, when he defend his Light Heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes, but has since vacated the belt in hopes of moving up to Heavyweight. He was expected to be the next challenger for Ngannou after he won the belt in 2021 from Stipe Miocic, but momentum stopped last year.

There are ton of complications to getting these two in the octagon together, including Ngannou's upcoming rehab on his knee, but if these two were to fight, what would the odds be?

Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou Odds

• Jones: +170
• Ngannou: -225

I was shocked that Ngannou was an underdog in the last fight (it was unconfirmed he hurt his knee) and he proved to be worth the bet with his decision victory.

Now, he will move to his rightful position as a considerable chalk over Jones. I don't believe there is cause to bet Jones, or to make him a smaller price, considering he is moving up in weight for the first time in his career and hasn't fought in more than two years now.

While Jones may have time to acclimate to his new weight class, this is too long of a layoff for a fighter of Ngannou's stature. We also saw a different type of 'Predator' in his title defense against Gane that saw him impose his will with takedowns.

While Jones is a star wrestler, boasting a 95% takedown defense while averaging nearly two per 15 minutes, he will be facing the biggest test of his career who has shown an emerging grappling game.

This is Ngannou's weight class and if he figures out a new deal with UFC and has a fully recovery he will control Jones and get another victory.

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!