When former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou left the fight promotion and was stripped of the title in January 2023, he was deep in negotiations to face Jon Jones. The fight never came about and former middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plesses doesn’t think it would have been close anyway.
“I think that’s Jones easy,” Du Plessis told Fight Forecast. “I think Jones … I don’t even think that’s a fight. “
Jones retired from fighting in June 2025 months after defeating former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. After the UFC Freedom 250 event was announced, Jones came out of retirement hoping to be part of the historic event. When he was denied that opportunity, “Bones” asked to be immediately released from his contract.
Ngannou signed with the PFL after departing ways with the UFC. Part of the deal was allowing Ngannou to accept boxing bouts. He lost to Tyson Furry and Anthony Joshua in his two professional boxing appearances. In March, Ngannou parted ways with the PFL. He is scheduled to face Philipe Lins in a five-round co-main event bout on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight card on May 16 in Inglewood, California.
Ngannou has encouraged Jones to get out of his UFC contract and the two could meet in a different organization.