Jon Jones hits out at Francis Ngannou after his move to the PFL

Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou clashed on social media after ‘The Predator’ announced his new contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Ngannou had been one of the biggest names in the UFC before a dispute over his contract terms led to his departure in December last year.

Now the Cameroonian has signed an ‘exclusive partnership’ deal that will see him receive equity and take on leadership roles in the PFL whilst also being allowed to pursue boxing fights elsewhere.

Following the move, Ngannou claimed on his YouTube channel that he is now ‘the baddest motherf***** on the planet’.

However, Jones – who is the holder of the heavyweight belt Ngannou vacated after his departure from UFC – took exception to this comment and hit back at PFL’s newest fighter.

UFC heavyweight champion hit out at Francis Ngannou after his move to the PFL was announced

Following the move, Ngannou claimed he is now ‘the baddest motherf***** on the planet’

Jones took exception to this and the pair then launched a war of words against each other

He tweeted: ‘Calling yourself the baddest man on the planet from across the street, who does that?’

30 minutes later, Ngannou replied – although he didn’t directly respond to Jones – as he said: ‘Then cross the street.’ 

As part of his deal with PFL, Ngannou is expected to take part in a boxing fight in the coming months before making his debut with his new employer next year. 

Speaking about his move after it was confirmed, he told the New York Times: ‘The past few months have been a very interesting time to understand and see the landscape but I’m very excited about this deal with the PFL because they basically showed what I was expecting.

‘They didn’t just show up as a promotion that was looking for a fighter, but really came as a partner that sees more value in you as a person.’ 

PFL confirmed the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou yesterday

The Cameroonian fighter left the UFC after a breakdown in contract negotiations last year 

In the aforementioned boxing bout, there have been rumours that the ex-UFC champion will take on Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua, though there’s yet to be any serious development.

The 36-year-old will take part in PFL’s Super-fight division, which allows fighters to earn at least 50 per cent of the pay-per-view [PPV] revenue. Compared with the UFC’s 20 per cent cut for fighters, it remains an enticing opportunity.

‘The Predator’ had been one of the stars of UFC, prior to his exit, but felt unvalued by company chiefs when he sat down to discuss a new deal. 

Ngannou added: ‘Let’s just say, all-in my deal with PFL is more than anyone else offered’.