Jon Jones seeks UFC exit to face former heavyweight champion
Jones says he must get out of his UFC contract to make the Ngannou fight, while White remains interested in doing business with the former champion.
- On Saturday, Jon Jones expressed interest in leaving the UFC to pursue a fight with Francis Ngannou while working the broadcast team for the Most Valuable Promotions MMA card at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
- UFC president Dana White holds little incentive to release Jones, who remains under contract for six additional fights signed in 2023. Jones acknowledged he must find the "right people" to navigate contractual hurdles.
- Ngannou defeated Philipe Lins in the first round on Saturday, then said the fight with Jones will happen. "Because this fight is gonna happen before we retire," Ngannou said during the Netflix broadcast.
- Jones admitted interest in boxing but acknowledged securing his UFC release presents a significant challenge. "Got to focus on trying to get out of my UFC contract," Jones said.
- While Ngannou remains confident a future bout will occur, Jones expressed uncertainty about fighting again. "I really have no reason to fight anymore," Jones said, citing his professional success.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Jon Jones Admits He 'Would Love to Box'
Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones said that he would love to box in the wake of a potential comeback to mixed martial arts. Jones was a member of the broadcast team for the MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano card this past Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Netflix’s first foray into MMA was a grand success, as the main event features women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano going at it, with Rousey finishing the fight wi…
Jon Jones Plots UFC Contract Exit To Chase Boxing Debut Against Francis Ngannou
Jon Jones, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and current Heavyweight Champion, stated on Saturday, May 17, 2026, that he is actively seeking a release from his UFC contract to pursue a boxing debut against Francis Ngannou. Speaking on an MVP MMA panel during the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano broadcast on Netflix, Jones suggested that a move to the squared circle may be the only way to facilitate the long-discussed superfight. He noted tha…
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