Behind the Fierce Negotiations for Jon Jones vs. Ngannou

The Fight That Could Have Been
One of the most highly anticipated fights in UFC history, Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou, never made it to the Octagon, leaving fans heartbroken and questioning why. During his reign as UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ngannou was set to face Jones, a matchup many believed would solidify the greatest heavyweight of all time. However, before the fight could materialize, Ngannou parted ways with the promotion, sparking heated debates and conflicting narratives.

Dana White’s War of Words
After Francis Ngannou’s high-profile departure from the UFC, CEO Dana White wasted no time controlling the narrative. Initially, White supported Ngannou, even claiming he could defeat Jones. Yet, after their fallout, White alleged that Ngannou was “ducking” Jones. This shift in tone raised eyebrows among fans and fighters alike.

Ngannou’s coach, Erick Nicksick, has now shed light on the situation, sharing behind-the-scenes details of UFC negotiations. During an appearance on The Casual MMA Podcast, Nicksick revealed:

“Dana asked if we could have Ngannou ready by July to fight Jon. Then it became, ‘Oh, we can’t get ahold of Jon.’ Suddenly, Jon wasn’t ready, and everything kept getting delayed.”

According to Nicksick, the UFC even created an interim heavyweight title to pressure Ngannou into signing unfavorable contracts. White’s accusations of Ngannou avoiding Jones seem inconsistent when paired with these revelations, further fueling skepticism about the UFC’s handling of the situation.

Back-and-Forth Feuds and Fan Disappointment
This clash between Francis Ngannou and Dana White has devolved into personal attacks, leaving the MMA community divided. While White continues to paint Ngannou as unwilling to fight, Ngannou insists the UFC sought to manipulate fans by distorting the truth.

For fight fans, however, the ultimate frustration remains the same: they just want to see Jon Jones fight Francis Ngannou. Despite the ongoing feuds, some believe that in the unpredictable world of MMA, the fight could still happen—if both sides can strike a deal.

Ngannou’s Post-UFC Rise and Cross-Platform Potential
Since exiting the UFC, Francis Ngannou has thrived in his career outside the Octagon. He’s participated in two high-profile boxing matches, losing both but reportedly earning more than his total UFC earnings. Although Dana White questioned the validity of these earnings claims, Ngannou responded by offering to show receipts—a bold move that grabbed headlines.

Ngannou recently made a triumphant debut in the PFL Heavyweight Division, capturing the title in dominant fashion. Intriguingly, Jon Jones attended the event, acknowledging Ngannou’s performance—a moment that rekindled talks of a potential showdown.

Ngannou has since suggested that a cross-promotion fight between the UFC and PFL could make the dream match a reality:
“It’s possible, but they have to go to the PFL…The PFL is down for that,” Ngannou told Joe Rogan during the JRE MMA Show #146.

Jones’ Dominance and Mixed Reception
Meanwhile, Jon Jones has continued to dominate inside the Octagon, defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. While the fight was a financial success, critics were less impressed, arguing that Tom Aspinall would have been a more deserving challenger.

Jones remains at the peak of his career, but his fans—and critics—are clamoring for a more competitive matchup. The lingering possibility of facing Ngannou could cement his legacy as the best heavyweight fighter in history.

Will Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou Ever Happen?
The possibility of Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou now rests on whether the UFC is willing to negotiate with the PFL. For fight fans, this clash of titans remains the ultimate dream. Until then, the rivalry between Dana White and Francis Ngannou continues to play out in the media, keeping MMA enthusiasts hooked on every twist and turn.