Story perspectives

Jon Jones Targets Ngannou Fight, Eyes UFC Exit via MVP

5/19/2026

Summary

Jones Seeks Ngannou

UFC champion Jon Jones said he wants to fight Francis Ngannou, believes he can exit his UFC contract, but must first leave.
While Jon Jones analyzed Rousey vs. Carano at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said the bout could only happen under Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and doubted Dana White would release Jones.
Nakisa Bidarian added MVP is willing to co-promote the fight with the UFC.

Summary

Jones Demands Reform

Jon Jones has demanded UFC contract reforms such as in-cage sponsorship, permission to box elsewhere, better health-insurance and an athlete advocate.
The UFC has tightened contract language, limiting the sunset-clause loophole that allowed fighters like Francis Ngannou to become free agents.
UFC officials say the heavyweight division’s current weakness makes them reluctant to release Jones, even as he expands his business portfolio with the Kawa brothers as his agent.

History

Historical Context

The UFC’s 2011 purchase of Strikeforce—announced by Dana White on March 12—absorbed stars like Ronda Rousey and Daniel Cormier, consolidating most top-tier talent under one contract system. Decades of antitrust suits, including a 2024 attempt to settle claims for $335 million, have spurred fighters such as Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou to demand contract reforms, while co-promotion proposals aim to fragment the market.

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Jones Seeks Ngannou

UFC champion Jon Jones said he wants to fight Francis Ngannou, believes he can exit his UFC contract, but must first leave.
While Jon Jones analyzed Rousey vs. Carano at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said the bout could only happen under Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and doubted Dana White would release Jones.
Nakisa Bidarian added MVP is willing to co-promote the fight with the UFC.

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