Francis Ngannou has made one thing clear, before he walks away from the sport, there’s one name he still wants on his résumé: Jon Jones.
For years, Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones has been one of the biggest fights never made in MMA. Now, with Jones retired and Ngannou operating outside the UFC system, the chances look slimmer than ever. Still, Francis Ngannou isn’t letting go of the idea just yet.
“Jon Jones is the fight that I really want to have before my retirement,” Ngannou said. “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,” he added. “But if I had to pick one, like, let’s do this one and go home, then it would be Jon Jones.”
Despite years of back-and-forth talk, Francis Ngannou believes the superfight may never have been seriously on the table.
“Disappoint me? No,” Ngannou said. “It was never really on the table, so I don’t have to be disappointed.”
“The only time it seemed possible was when it was used as bait,” he continued. “Something to bait me during negotiations.”
During his UFC heavyweight title reign from 2021 to 2023, fans pushed heavily for the clash, especially as Jones teased a move up to heavyweight. But negotiations never materialized into an official deal, and Ngannou eventually parted ways with the promotion.
Now, Francis Ngannou shifts his focus back to fighting. He is set to return to MMA on May 16 against Philipe Lins, marking his first appearance since his knockout win over Renan Ferreira.
Outside the cage, Ngannou has embraced a more calculated approach to his career, especially when it comes to contracts and negotiations.
“Listen, I have no problem with contracts,” Ngannou said. “I have a problem with how they are used.”
“I’m a businessman,” he added. “If the deal is fair and both sides deliver, then it makes sense. Bring me the contract—I’ll look at it. If it’s right, I’ll sign.”
Even with his current path, Francis Ngannou hasn’t completely closed the door on anything, including a potential return to the UFC under the right conditions. But one thing remains constant: the Jon Jones fight still lingers.
“Jon Jones is the fight I want,” Ngannou said again. “Before I’m done, that’s the one.”
