Francis Ngannou gives no-holds-barred opinion on potential Jon Jones fight going down in the future: "It's been four years"
Francis Ngannou has addressed a potential fight against Jon Jones and given a rather blunt assertion about it. The ex-UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion alluded to how the dream matchup hasn't come to fruition for several years. On that note, 'The Predator' suggested he's fine even if it doesn't materialize.
Ngannou departed the UFC in January 2023; citing reasons like his desire to be contractually free to compete in boxing, having a fighter advocate during meetings, additional sponsors, etc. During his UFC heavyweight championship reign (March 2021-January 2023), and even during his ascent to the title, many called for then-UFC light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones to move up in weight and fight him.
After his final light heavyweight bout in February 2020, Jones vacated his 205-pound belt later that year and announced his move to heavyweight. Many believed he'd fight the heavyweight elites such as Ngannou, Stipe Miocic, and others. However, Jones didn't compete till March 2023, when he made his 265-pound divisional debut, submitting Ciryl Gane to win the vacant UFC heavyweight belt.
Meanwhile, after his UFC exit, Francis Ngannou competed in a pair of boxing matches, against legendary pugilists Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. On the MMA front, Ngannou signed with the PFL and debuted with a thunderous title-winning knockout win over Renan Ferreira in October 2024.
Speaking to Radio Rahim for Seconds Out, Ngannou was recently asked about Jon Jones' knockout victory against Stipe Miocic that transpired last month. Praising the UFC heavyweight kingpin's performance, Ngannou stated:
"Great performance. I mean, that was a very great performance. I mean, from not being fighting for so long, didn't know exactly what to expect. But that was a testimony that he's still there."
Radio Rahim questioned whether Francis Ngannou wanted the Jon Jones fight. He replied:
"It's been four years that I've been singing. I'm confused that people keep asking me this question. Like, it's been four years."
Rahim then asked whether there was any possibility he'd get the Jones matchup. Ngannou said:
"That's not my problem. I don't care about it anymore. If it happen, yes. If it doesn't, f**k it."
Check out Francis Ngannou's comments below (2:38):
A closer look at the current Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou situation
Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou have traded barbs, but they've also expressed respect for one another's accomplishments and skills. Following his spectacular stoppage over heavyweight MMA great Stipe Miocic, Ngannou took to X and congratulated 'Bones.'
General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chair, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, recently indicated that he'd love to book a possible Jones-Ngannou matchup. Nevertheless, the consensus is that since the UFC largely refrains from co-promoting with rival MMA organizations, a potential UFC-PFL cross-promotional event for Jones and Ngannou is unlikely.
Moreover, UFC CEO and president Dana White later shot down the Jones-Ngannou speculation, emphasizing that Jones will likely face interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a title unifier.
Ngannou has lately maintained that he's open to both boxing and competing in MMA matches in the PFL in 2025. Meanwhile, Jones has expressed interest in giving fellow MMA great and UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira a shot at his heavyweight belt. 'Bones' also recently emphasized he's uninterested in a possible clash against Aspinall unless he's lucratively rewarded.