UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is leaving the door open for a return by the end of the year.
“The Predator” underwent knee surgery earlier this year for a damaged ACL and torn MCL suffered in training prior to his victory over Ciryl Gane in their title unification bout at UFC 270 on Jan. 22.
“It’s getting better. It wasn’t easy, but getting there,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports of his recovery. “It’s been only three months, so I’m still doing physical therapy.”
While there have been rumors of an interim heavyweight title tilt between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones, that booking is far from official.