Jon Jones used his analyst role at the Rousey vs. Carano event to rave about the MVP promotion and signal interest in a potential showdown with Francis Ngannou outside the UFC.
Working the broadcast at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., Jones watched Ngannou knock out Philipe Lins in Round 1 and then get called out by the former UFC heavyweight champion. Jones, who is trying to get out of his UFC contract, expressed interest in facing Ngannou under the MVP banner.
Jones was effusive about the event itself. "I thought the MVP promotion was absolutely unbelievable," Jones said, later adding, "I think it was actually better than the UFC. I've never been at such a promotion where they had the fog machines and the TVs absolutely everywhere, great fighters. Half the audience came out to see (Nate) Diaz win. Both guys are my close personal friends, so it was bittersweet."
He also praised Ronda Rousey’s rapid win over Gina Carano in the main event, which ended by armbar in 17 seconds. "Ronda did absolutely unbelievable," Jones said. "She did exactly what I thought she would do and won in less than a minute. It was 17 seconds, and I predicted it. Her judo and her jiu-jitsu, I mean she's put so many years into it. The other girls to this day are still so far behind."
Jones is a former two-division UFC champion who now finds himself publicly eyeing a high-profile fight with Ngannou under a rival promotion.
