Eric Nickick, head coach of UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, hopes the fight with Jon Jones will take place March 5 at UFC 285.
I think it's 50-50 that the fight will happen in March. I saw Francis a couple of weeks ago, and I think if we had to get him ready for March, we would do it. Also, it's still unclear what's going to happen with the contract with the UFC. I hope we can get a deal done soon. If we don't make it by March, we can have the fight in April or May. I know for a fact they're planning a fight with Jones for March, and if they tell me we fight in March, our guy will be ready.
Eric Nickick
Ngannou, 36, last entered the Octagon in January 2022 at UFC 270, defeating Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision. He has 17 wins and three losses under his belt.