Francis Ngannou: Jon Jones Has More Tools But Stipe Miocic May Be Tougher

Francis Ngannou feels Jon Jones has more tools in his arsenal but that Stipe Miocic may top him in toughness.

Ngannou is the newly-minted UFC Heavyweight Champion. He captured the gold by knocking out Miocic in their rematch at UFC 260. Ngannou avenged his 2018 defeat to Miocic with the devastating KO.

Now the question remains, who will Ngannou put his title on the line against first? While Jones once seemed like the logical answer, he has been at odds with the UFC over pay.

Appearing on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, Ngannou said he isn’t faulting “Bones” for raising his asking price (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“Everybody in this position would like to get compensated. Basically, a guy like Jones, he’s been around for very long and been doing this sport, and (the UFC) grows. I think there’s nothing wrong about (wanting to get paid more). But I don’t know what the deal is. I would like that fight to happen – that would definitely be the No. 1 fight.”

Ngannou went on to discuss how Jones stacks up with Miocic.

“Jon Jones definitely has more tools in his pocket than Stipe, but I’m not sure he’s tougher than Stipe though.”

The UFC reportedly attempted to book a rematch between Ngannou and Derrick Lewis. That plan fizzled out as the proposed June 12 date didn’t work out for Ngannou.