Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou (17-3) admitted that a showdown with Jon Jones is still on his radar.
Ngannou reflected on the years of failed negotiations that preceded his move to the PFL in 2023 and eventually boxing, suggesting that the “Jones fight” was never a genuine offer from the UFC brass. Ngannou believes the promotion used Jones’ name for their own ends.
Ngannou is currently preparing for a five-round clash against Philipe Lins on May 16 on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card. While Ngannou is a free agent, Jones remains “retired” under a UFC contract, although he has asked to be released. Francis was still hopeful of fighting Jones.
“Jon Jones is the fight that I really want to have before my retirement. But other than that, it could be anybody, I don’t care. As long as it’s a fight. I’m not saying it’s a fight that would define my career or something, but if I had to pick, okay let’s do this one and go home, then it would be Jon Jones. Disappoint me? No. It was never really on the table, so I don’t have to be disappointed. The only time that he seems like a possibility was when he was used as bait, something to bait me,” Ngannou saidÂ