HOAM | Will We Ever Get a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou Fight? Plus, More UFC 285 Fallout
Mar 7, 2023
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Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones discusses his win over Ciryl Gane, potential fight with Francis Ngannou, and a likely showdown with Stipe Miocic. The podcast also covers Alexa Grasso's championship win, Bo Nickal's octagon debut, and Shavkat Rakhmonov's options after his victory over Geoff Neal.
A potential Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight is crucial for assessing Jones' heavyweight capabilities.
Consideration for Valentina Shevchenko's rematch eligibility reflects the importance of assessing fighters' readiness.
Varied opinions on fighter rematches emphasize the nuanced nature of assessing fighter abilities and potential title contention.
Personal biases impact fighter assessments, highlighting the critical role of evaluating records and competition levels.
Deep dives
John Jones's Dominant Performance against Ciryl Gane and Potential Matchup with Francis Ngannou
John Jones's recent victory over Ciryl Gane showcased his dominance in the heavyweight division. However, for a complete assessment of his abilities at heavyweight, a matchup with the powerful Francis Ngannou is essential. Until that fight materializes, questions about John's heavyweight prowess will linger.
Valentina Shevchenko Deserves a Rematch with Alexa Grasso
After Valentina Shevchenko's loss to Alexa Grasso, a rematch is warranted based on Shevchenko's remarkable record and impact in the sport. Furthermore, calling for immediate title contention for Aaron Blanchfield may be viewed as premature. A skill-for-skill matchup could better assess Blanchfield's readiness for a title fight.
Controversy Surrounding Fighter Assessments and Rematches in the Sport
Assumptions about fighters' abilities and dismissive attitudes towards opponents have led to varied opinions on fighter rematches and title shot considerations. The analysis revealed differing views on Valentina Shevchenko's rematch eligibility, emphasizing the nuanced nature of fighter assessments and potential rematches in the sport.
The Influence of Personal Opinions on Fighter Evaluation
Personal biases and opinions can significantly impact assessments of fighters and their match-ups, leading to debates on rematch eligibility and title contention. Critical evaluations of fighters' records and competition levels play a key role in determining fight outcomes and future opportunities within the sport.
The Power of Redemption in Sports
Winning changes everything. The podcast discusses how winning can alter public perception, using the example of Tiger Woods to highlight how success can overshadow past controversies. The case of John Jones is examined, showcasing how his star power and ability to evoke strong emotions have propelled him back into the limelight, even after facing criticism.
Fighter Matchups and Career Trajectories
The podcast delves into potential fighter matchups and career trajectories in MMA. Discussions revolve around Cody Garbrandt's shift towards decision-based wrestling, analyzing its potential success against top competitors in the 135-pound division. Speculation regarding Conor McGregor's return and a potential fight against Michael Chandler is entertained, with predictions hinting at a likely date in November or December.
The Future of MMA Fighters and Matchups
Exploration of upcoming bouts and fighters in MMA. Insights are shared on potential matchups involving lightweights Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, reflecting on the strategic decisions behind fighter selections. Rafael Fiziev's emergence as a key contender is highlighted, emphasizing his potential trajectory in the division and showcasing anticipated future rivalries.
Transition to Bellator 292 and UFC Main Card
Preview of upcoming MMA events. The transition to Bellator 292's lightweight Grand Prix and notable fights such as Ustren Amaga Madoff versus Benson Henderson is highlighted. The UFC main card featuring Petr Yan versus Deiveson Figueiredo is discussed, with emphasis on the shift from Apex to an alternate venue and the card's early start time at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Jon Jones made it look easy against Ciryl Gane to become the new UFC heavyweight champion. While some questions were answered, others may still be on the table — questions that may only be answered if somehow the UFC can put a fight together between Jones and former champ Francis Ngannou.
On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the fallout of Jones' quick submission win over Gane in the main event of UFC 285, a likely showdown with Stipe Miocic, and whether or not the UFC would attempt to re-sign Ngannou to fight Jones should the latter move to 2-0 at heavyweight. Additionally, listener questions include Alexa Grasso's championship win against Valentina Shevchenko and if there should be an immediate rematch, or if Grasso's first title defense should be against Erin Blanchfield, Bo Nickal's successful octagon debut, Shavkat Rakhmonov's options after finishing Geoff Neal, and more.
You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
