Francis Ngannou plans to have two more fights in 2021 and has reaffirmed his desire to take on Jon Jones, whose future with UFC remains unclear.
Ngannou claimed the heavyweight title in style on Saturday, dethroning Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 thanks to a second-round knockout in a rematch of their meeting back in January 2018.
The 34-year-old made clear in the immediate aftermath that he is ready and willing to face Jones, a fighter he described as the GOAT of MMA.
A two-time former light-heavyweight champion, Jones has not fought in just over a year amid contract negotiations. Whether he returns or not, Ngannou understands he is now in a position to call the shots.
"I don't know what exactly happened between Jon Jones and the UFC, but I think there's something wrong, and I also think he handled it maybe a little in the wrong way," Ngannou said during an appearance on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show.
"Listen, that's not my business. There's a lot of contenders ready to fight. For the first time, I'm the man who's making the call.
"I don't have to sit down and wait for people. They're waiting for me, and I'm ready.
"I can choose to fight, and I want to fight maybe two [more] times this year. I hope that [Jones] fight happens."
Jones provided an update on his own situation via Twitter on Wednesday, revealing negotiations are continuing with the organisation.
"I had a brief phone meeting with UFC's lawyer Hunter [Campbell] a few days ago. As of right now I expressed to him that anywhere around eight to $10million would be way too low for a fight of this magnitude. That’s all that has been discussed so far," he tweeted.
"I'm supposed to be waiting for what their offer is going to be. Really hoping the numbers are nowhere near that low. I guess we will see what happens."
If Jones is not available, Ngannou could instead be set for a rematch with Derrick Lewis, who won a forgettable first fight by unanimous decision back in July 2018.
However, the new champion promises there will be no repeat, should the rivals go up against each other once again.
"I think we'll have this fight that never really happened. I will have to give the fans what they deserve," Ngannou said.