Jon Jones last fought Stipe Miocic in November 2024 and remains under an exclusive contract with the UFC, a situation that has been turbulent as he has repeatedly requested a release.
However, UFC president Dana White has seemingly refused to grant it. Once again on Saturday night during the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) event hosted by Jake Paul, Jones publicly reiterated his desire to leave his contract in order to pursue a potential fight with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who earned a first-round knockout victory over Philipe Lins.
“I gotta focus on trying to get out of my UFC contract. I don’t think Dana’s interested in doing business with Francis [Ngannou],” Jones said. “So doing it with MVP would be the only way to make it happen. So if we can get out my contract, that’d be great.”
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Ngannou responded by praising Jones but suggesting he take a more proactive approach.
“Jon Jones is a great fighter. The best that has ever done MMA. But I think in business he has some things to learn and he should be watching what I’m doing and learn. Figure it out and come make this fight. Because we have to make this fight happen before we retire.”
The potential matchup between Jones and Ngannou has long been one of MMA’s biggest “what if” scenarios, with discussions stretching back more than four years. However, the fight has consistently been blocked by contractual issues and strained relationships between Ngannou and the UFC, along with Jones’ own complications tied to his existing deal
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