Francis Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, claims Tom Aspinall currently has more “upside” than UFC heavyweight champ
Francis Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, claims Tom Aspinall currently has more “upside” than UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones
A highly-anticipated clash between Ngannou and Jones never came to fruition under the UFC banner, with “The Predator” exiting the promotion due to failed contract negotiations earlier this year. Jones went to win the vacant strap with a submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March. He was slated to defend the strap against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on Nov. 11.
On October 28, Francis Ngannou surprised the planet. Facing the WBC champion, the Cameroonian lasted 10 rounds, and gave a magnificent performance for his debut in the ring. He even sent the ‘Gypsy King’ to the mat. Ultimately, he lost by split decision. But whatever. Ngannou entered the WBC rankings, and pocketed the biggest check of his career. In his next fight, in 2024, the ‘Predator’ is expected to make his PFL debut. Nonetheless, many fans are clamoring for a fight with two UFC champions…
Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall for Francis Ngannou?
For many months, even years, fans have been calling for a clash between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Nevertheless, Tom Aspinall is climbing the ranks little by little, and has just won the interim UFC heavyweight title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich. During an episode of “Remember The Show,” Ngannou’s MMA coach, Eric Nicksick, discussed the competition at heavyweight in the UFC.
“I’ve been telling everyone for a long time that Tom Aspinall is the one, and I think people have forgotten about him because of the knee injury he suffered in London against Curtis Blaydes. Unfortunately, he was away for a while. But as a coach in the division, in the days when Francis Ngannou was there, you start to look at the possible competition as it goes up the rankings, and for me Tom Aspinall was number 1.”
Afterward, Nicksick responded to a question about what he thought would have been the toughest challenge for Ngannou between Jones and Aspinall: “I mean you have to pick the guy who is considered the greatest world champion. I would say Jon Jones because of his pedigree, his history, the man he is and the champion he is, but I think the best is without a doubt Tom Aspinall. »
Who knows, maybe Francis Ngannou will face one of these colossi in a UFC/PFL event.
