Francis Ngannou sends message to Jon Jones after victory against Ciryl Gane

In the early hours of Sunday, March 5, 2023, American professional mixed martial artist Jonathan Jones was crowned the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight title holder.

Jones on his return to the UFC recorded a first-round submission victory against French professional mixed martial artist Ciryl Gane.

The heavyweight title contested between Gane and Jones was a result of the departure of Cameroonian-French professional mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou.

Reports before the announcement of the UFC 285 main event stated that Jones intended to fight Ngannou for the heavyweight title.

The negotiations between the UFC and Ngannou reportedly broke down due to health insurance, sponsorships, and other benefits. 

Ngannou was stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and has since started to pursue a career in professional boxing.

The fight between Jone and Gane was over with two minutes and four seconds left in the first round.

As impressive as the victory was, there was criticism that Jones had an easy touch on his return to the UFC after three years.

Ngannou took to his official social media platforms to praise Jones for his victory against Gane.

He said, "Good job Jonny Boy, Sincerely, The heavyweight king."

There were comments that suggested that Ngannou is still the man to beat in the UFC heavyweight division as he did not lose his title in the ring.

American businessman and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Dana White has however dismissed the return of Ngannou.

After the victory against Gane, Jones called out former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic ahead of his next fight reportedly scheduled for July.

Ngannou on the other hand is reportedly in advanced negotiations to take on former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in his first boxing match scheduled for Saudi Arabia.