Full Breakdown
Jon Jones Seeks UFC Release to Pursue Dream Fight with Francis Ngannou
5/19/2026, 1:59:23 AM
Contract Standoff
Jon Jones told Denise White that “getting out of my UFC contract is very, very possible,” and that he is seeking the right contacts. He wants a bout with Francis Ngannou, who knocked out Philipe Lins on MVP’s Rousey-Carano card. Jones says the only realistic path is outside the UFC, likely under MVP.
Background
Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight title after a single defense of Stipe Miocic in November 2024 and announced retirement in mid-2025, yet later called himself “retired” while staying open to fighting. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023, won a PFL Super Fight and pursued high-profile boxing matches. Their rivalry has been a headline since 2021, but Ngannou’s exit removed the UFC as a shared platform.
Key Numbers
- Jon Jones: 28-1 (1 no-contest) MMA, 22-1 UFC; eight-fight deal (2023) with six fights left.
- Francis Ngannou: 19-3 MMA, 14 stoppages; 2024 KO of Philipe Lins (1 min 31 sec).
- Jones’s last fight: Nov 2024 KO of Stipe Miocic.
Official Statements
Jones said “Dana White is not interested in doing business with Francis,” leaving MVP as the only option. Ngannou urged Jones to “watch what I’m doing and figure it out.” UFC president Dana White has said he has “zero interest” in featuring Jones on the White House card and will not release him early. MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian called a UFC-MVP cross-promotion “not realistic” given White’s stance.
Criticism & Opposition
The UFC’s reluctance to release a marquee star while a rival promotion seeks the fight highlights tension over exclusive contracts. MVP acknowledges contractual barriers, and observers note the gap between Jones’s retirement claims and his pursuit of a high-profile bout.
Why It Matters
A Jones-Ngannou showdown would likely be the biggest heavyweight fight in MMA in years, shaping fan interest, pay-per-view revenue, and future contract talks. It also underscores fighters’ push for cross-promotional freedom against UFC control.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Jones’s retirement—some label him retired, others “non-committal.” Contract details beyond the six-fight remainder are undisclosed, leaving buy-out terms unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know, I think getting out of my UFC contract is very, very possible,” — Jon Jones
- “I’m the f****** best,” — Francis Ngannou
- “If this fight's gonna happen, doing it outside (the UFC) - I don't think (UFC CEO) Dana (White) is interested in doing business with Francis, so doing it with MVP would probably be the only way to make it happen.” — Jon Jones
- “I don’t think it’s realistic because I don’t think Dana is going to allow that in any way, shape, or form because they know it will be the biggest fight that can happen at the heavyweight division in a long time.” — Nakisa Bidarian
What’s Next
Jones will seek legal counsel to negotiate an early release; MVP is ready to co-promote if the UFC relents. Ngannou stays active in MMA and boxing, keeping the window open for a showdown before either retires.
