FC Champion Francis Ngannou is First UFC Fighter To Wear a Watch During a Weigh-In Wearing A Jacob & CO Epic X Chrono & CO
UFC Champion Francis Ngannou will go down in history as the first UFC fighter to wear a watch during a UFC weigh-in; as he will be wearing a Jacob & Co Epix X Chrono watch. The official weigh-in will take place on Friday, January 21st prior to Ngannou’s championship bout against Ciryl Gane on Saturday, January 22nd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
The watch, the Epix X Chrono, which is an art in luxury craftsmanship and detail, has a retail value of $50,000. Ngannou will also sport the Epix X Chrono in an upcoming edition of ESPN the Magazine, which comes out late January. Historically, UFC weigh-ins are known for fighters doing everything in their power to show the lowest number possible on the scale, but Ngannou’s admiration for the Epic X Chrono outweighs this industry standard.
“At Jacob & Co., we are always looking for ways to push the envelope and differentiate ourselves,” said Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co. “Having Francis wear a Jacob & Co. watch to a weigh-in is something that’s never been done before. We are thrilled to see this historic moment come to fruition live.”
The Epic X Chrono is a collection defined by its unmistakable design, contemporary style and high-end watchmaking solutions. Every Epic X is a statement-piece: a bold combination of traditional and high-tech materials, exclusive and highly refined calibers, and a truly Epic aesthetic that is immediately recognizable and yet remarkably versatile. From sporty and rugged to precious and elegant, every Epic X is as striking as it is multifaceted.
For Jacob & Co., it will be the latest in a series of partnerships that include hyper sports car manufacturer Bugatti, Paramount Pictures, athletic greats such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Lionel Messi, the hype lifestyle brand Supreme, among others. Jacob and Co. is proving to be a knockout in the fighting world, as Ngannou joins the ranks of MMA champion Conor McGregor in owning a one-of-a-kind wrist art piece.
About Jacob & Co.
“Inspired by the Impossible”
Founded by Jacob Arabo in 1986, Jacob & Co. creates revolutionary timepieces and exquisite jewelry that have captivated celebrities and notables from the watchmaking world and dazzled on fashion’s red carpets and cover shoots. With a unique talent for creating designs that are as innovative as they are spectacular, the company has grown into one of the most recognized luxury brands in timepieces and jewelry.
At the heart of the company is the passion, drive and creative force of Mr. Arabo. With a respect for traditional craftsmanship and artistry and an ability to envision and realize exquisite jewelry and unique timepieces, he makes the truly extraordinary a reality through the alchemy of edge and elegance.
For more information please visit: www.jacobandco.com
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
