Jones' UFC Contract Complicates Potential Ngannou Fight

Jon Jones watched Francis Ngannou knock out Philipe Lins in the first round last weekend, but says it would be tough to fight Francis given the obstacles. 

The former UFC heavyweight champion has expressed interest in finally fighting Ngannou — the matchup that eluded both men during their time in the UFC.

"I've got to focus on trying to get out of my UFC contract. That's going to be the difficult part if this fight is going to happen. I don't think Dana is interested in doing business with Francis. Doing it with MVP would probably be the only way to make it happen. If we can get out my contract, that would be great,” Jones

The history behind the Jones-Ngannou conversation is a long one. Jones' contract disputes with the UFC, promotional complications, and timing all conspired against it — and when Ngannou eventually departed the promotion, the window appeared to close permanently.

Jones' own path since then has been complicated. He vacated the UFC heavyweight title in June 2025 rather than fight Tom Aspinall, retiring in the process. The reason Jones has a stepped-back approach to fighting is that he has arthritis in his hip.

Will It Happen?

Jones also has a busy life outside the sport, has not competed since his last title defence, and when pressed on where he stands, delivered the most straightforward summary available: "I think I am retired."

While the fight throws up a lot of intrigue, Jones also recognized that Ngannou was not facing an elite name.

“Tonight he looked good but he also fought against a guy that weighed like 220 pounds. That guy was afraid to engage with Francis. He definitely wasn’t on the same kickboxing level as Francis. I thought Francis was very impressive tonight. He’s starting to throw kicks. He threw really nice high kicks tonight. I’m just excited to see what’s next for him,” Jones stated