Francis Ngannou set his sights on Jon Jones after sealing a devastating knockout win in his rematch with Stipe Miocic to claim the heavyweight title at UFC 260.
Ngannou became the undisputed champion as he gained revenge after being outclassed by Miocic three years ago at UFC 220, the Cameroonian landing a brutal and decisive blow with a left hook in the second round.
And now the 34-year-old wants a shot at Jones, with the legendary American poised to step up to the heavyweight division later this year.
Ngannou lauded Jones as the GOAT of MMA, but declared he was ready for the challenge.
“In my opinion, Jon Jones is the greatest of all time in mixed martial arts. Him moving up is going to be a good thing,” he said after his stunning victory in Las Vegas.
“He’s a challenge I will take, and it will be a very good thing on the resume. But this time he is the challenger. I am the champ. He’s coming up, looking for me.
“So I’m ready any time soon. Even summer, I will be here, ready to fight in July or August. Whenever they are ready, I’m ready.
“He said something, ‘Show me the money’. Show the money and we’ll go, baby. I’m here.”
Miocic – who was coming off a unanimous decision win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 last August – was left stunned by an overpowering display from Ngannou, who got the job done 52 seconds into round two