UFC interim champion Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou have recently traded verbal shots. Both have incredible knockout power, but their budding rivalry hinges on their respective promotions. The rivalry between two of the world’s top heavyweights isn’t limited to promotions. As the tension escalates, Ngannou has now taken a subtle dig at the British fighter’s overall ability.
Tom Aspinall was recently asked about the upcoming ‘Battle of Giants’ fight between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira. According to Aspinall, Ferreira isn’t a tough competition, and it’s the same case with PFL compared to UFC. Recently, during a fun segment with ESPN MMA, Ngannou called Aspinall a ‘good’ fighter.
Ngannou placed Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, and even Renan Ferreira in the ‘great’ category, ranking them above Tom Aspinall. This served as a subtle jab at Aspinall’s claim of being the unofficial UFC heavyweight champion. Ngannou also defended Ferreira in response to Aspinall’s remarks, suggesting that the PFL star is one of the best heavyweights in the world.
Wait till the end 👀 @francis_ngannou #PFLSuperFights | #BraceforImpact pic.twitter.com/aXLjD71X7B
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 16, 2024
Top commentator Joe Rogan had the same opinion about Ferreira and has shown concern about Ngannou. Ferreira has also reacted to Aspinall’s comments, claiming he doesn’t care about others’ opinions and is proud of his position. It seems like both fighters are unbothered and are fully focused on the job ahead.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou details retirement plans
Francis Ngannou had a dominating stint at the UFC and fought 14 times in the promotion. ‘The Predator’ has fought some of the biggest names, such as Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, etc. However, despite his ungodly power, Ngannou is well aware of his age and limitations.
Other than MMA, Ngannou also tried his luck in boxing and lost two fights against the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The former UFC heavyweight champion understands his limited time as a professional fighter and has already planned accordingly.
I just turned 38, so I will say my retirement when I start getting around 41 or 42. It could be 40, but this is just in an exceptional case…I want to leave the sport before the sport leaves me. I would like to leave at the top of my game.
Francis Ngannou via MMA Junkie
Francis Ngannou reveals his retirement timeline and why it’s imperative to “leave the sport before the sport leaves me.”
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/2L87kUdGQi
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 11, 2024
Ngannou had already lost his son earlier this year and was close to retirement. However, the memory of his son kept him going and challenging the toughest opponents. It would be interesting to see the ‘Predator’ finally returning to his natural habitat after more than two years.
