Fans Want Ngannou Vs. Aspinall – ‘It’s Bigger Than Jones’


Fans have called for Francis Ngannou to take on Tom Aspinall after The Predator’s surprise appearance at UFC Atlanta.

Ngannou appeared at the weigh-in for Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley to accompany Usman. Usman is hoping to secure his first win since 2021, when he beat Colby Covington. His last appearance was a 2023 loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. However, Usman is the former welterweight champion, showing he can cut it at the elite level.

Ngannou is also the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, who left the UFC in 2023 after contract talks broke down. He has had two boxing fights since then, losing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His only win during his UFC departure was a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira on his PFL debut. Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, hinted that his fighter may consider a UFC return.

“Enough time has passed, I would love to see them mend these fences and get back to competing in the UFC. I think it’s more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side. Now where does his motivations come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC,” Nicksick said 

This has increased the narrative for a Ngannou vs. Aspinall fight. The latter became the longest interim champion in the history of the UFC when he stopped Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall is struggling to secure the heavyweight title shot against Jon Jones amid suggestions the latter is ducking or could retire. That has raised speculation that Aspinall may face Ciryl Gane instead. That has not gone down well with fans, who have now suggested Ngannou vs. Aspinall as an alternative. However, that is unlikely to happen unless Dana White welcomes Ngannou back to the UFC.