Dan Hardy on the Heavyweight Battle for the Top Spot
In the world of MMA, the title of the best heavyweight is up for grabs. Currently, there are three top contenders – Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, and Francis Ngannou. All of which are currently battling for the number 1 spot. Each of these fighters brings unique strengths to the division making it difficult to determine who truly is the best heavyweight in the world.
Veteran analyst Dan Hardy has admitted that determining the best heavyweight in the sport right now is a complicated question. This is while Jon Jones is currently holding the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight title. This was after he defeated Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic. Hardy believes Jon Jones’s greatness is unquestionable, but his position as the top heavyweight is still up for debate. In an interview with MMA fighting Dan Hardy said;
“I think Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound best,”
“But is he the best current heavyweight on the planet? I don’t think so.”
Dan Hardy argues that the winner of a potential matchup between Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou could hold the answer to this ongoing question. This is due to both fighters presenting challenges Jones has yet to face in the heavyweight division.
Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou’s Unique Challenges
Both Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou offer qualities that make them particularly dangerous opponents for any heavyweight. Dan Hardy has noted that Aspinall’s speed sets him apart, describing him as “the fastest out of all three of them.” Aspinall’s quickness is a key advantage in this heavyweight division, where having speed is a rare commodity. “Speed kills at heavyweight,” Dan Hardy emphasised.
Tom Aspinall’s physicality is also impressive, being able to weigh in at 254 pounds with minimal body fat. This makes him a true physical specimen at the top of the division. Dan Hardy points out that Ngannou shares a similar physique and strength. Hardy also noted that both fighters have an advantage in terms of athleticism compared to Jon Jones. Speaking about this Hardy said;
“You can say the same thing for Francis Ngannou,”
Dan Hardy said this while placing Jones at the “bottom of the rung” when it comes to physical attributes.
Francis Ngannou is known for his brutal knockout power and is also a unique threat in the heavyweight division. Dan Hardy added;
“Francis Ngannou can put anyone’s lights out with a single punch,”
While Jon Jones is known for his fighter IQ and his experience, Dan Hardy believes that even those qualities might not be enough to overcome the speed of Tom Aspinall or the sheer power of Francis Ngannou.
The Future of Francis Ngannou
While this debate over the top heavyweight still goes on, Francis Ngannou finds himself in a unique situation. He now fights with the PFL rather than the UFC. After he was able to dominate Renan Ferreira in October, Ngannou’s next opponent is still unclear. Dan Hardy acknowledges that the level of competition in the PFL may not be on the same level as the UFC’s heavyweight division, but he hopes the promotion continues to bring in talent capable of challenging Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou could potentially face Dennis Goltsov. This was after Dennis was able to defeat Oleg Popov to clinch the 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion. Though Dan Hardy believes Dennis Goltsov would be an underdog against Ngannou.
Hardy is, however, optimistic about Ngannou’s future and the potential for cross-promotion fights, like a potential fight against ONE Championship’s “Reug Reug” Kane. This could even attract significant attention if the event was held in Africa.
“There’s a real challenge here,” Dan Hardy revealed, as he oversees fighter operations for the PFL in Europe. While Ngannou’s path forward is currently uncertain, Hardy remains hopeful in the PFL that they will be able to secure match-ups that maintain Ngannou’s dominance in the heavyweight division.
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