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 that he does not believe UFC CEO Dana White is interested in doing business with Ngannou, who left the promotion in early 2023.
The champion’s primary hurdle remains his existing UFC deal. Jones signed an eight-fight contract in 2023 and still has six bouts remaining on the agreement. Despite this, he expressed confidence during the Saturday broadcast that an exit is “very, very possible.” He explained that focusing his energy entirely on his boxing skills would allow him to “surprise a lot of people.” Jones has recorded 11 official KO/TKO wins in MMA, though research indicates only six of those were achieved primarily through boxing skills rather than kicks or elbows.
On the same night Jones made his comments, Francis Ngannou underscored his own heavyweight dominance by scoring a first-round knockout victory over Philipe Lins at the MVP MMA 1 event. Ngannou, who is currently signed to a multi-million dollar deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), competes in boxing under the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner. His PFL contract is unique in that it allows him to pursue high-profile boxing matches while guaranteeing his MMA opponents a $2 million purse.
Contractual disputes and the path to a boxing debut
The tension between Jones and the UFC leadership has been simmering for months. On March 9, 2026, Jones publicly requested his release via social media following a dispute with Dana White over a proposed “Freedom 250” card at the White House. At the time, Jones also clashed with White regarding a hip injury; the fighter acknowledged having painful arthritis in his hip but maintained it did not prevent him from competing. He characterized past negotiations as “lowball” offers and asked the promotion for “no more spins, no more games.”
While the UFC has historically been protective of its exclusive talent, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, has voiced strong interest in the matchup. Bidarian described a potential Jones vs. Ngannou clash as the biggest heavyweight fight possible in a long time. While he expressed a willingness to co-promote with the UFC, Jones’s comments suggest he is looking for an exit rather than a cross-promotional compromise. This approach mirrors the strategic contract management seen elsewhere in combat sports, where athletes prioritize flexibility for major career moves.
Jones appeared on the Netflix panel alongside former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley to discuss his current career perspective. He admitted that his life outside the cage is thriving thanks to his management, the Kawa brothers, who keep him busy with business ventures and endorsements. “I feel like if things weren’t going so well, I would be the person to get back in the cage,” Jones said. He added that because his professional life is currently so successful, he feels he has “no reason to fight anymore” in MMA, reinforcing his desire for a fresh challenge in boxing.
Heavyweight dynamics and the Ngannou factor
A move to boxing would place Jones in a division where Ngannou has already established himself as a significant draw. Following his knockout of the 220-pound Philipe Lins, Ngannou reiterated his desire to face Jones before he retires. Jones monitored the performance, noting that while Ngannou “looked good,” he felt Lins was afraid to engage and lacked Ngannou’s level of kickboxing. The contrast in their styles has intrigued fans since May 2020, when early betting odds placed Ngannou as a slight favorite in a theoretical MMA matchup.
The potential shift of MMA legends into the boxing ring continues to influence how promoters handle high-value talent. For example, promoters like Eddie Hearn have had to navigate the growing influence of Zuffa and other MMA-based entities in the boxing market. If Jones secures his UFC release, he would be joining a recruitment drive that has seen Major Valuable Promotions expand its roster with diverse world-class talent, signaling a shift in how heavyweight “superfights” are constructed in 2026.
For now, the combat sports world waits to see if the UFC will grant Jones’s request to walk away from his final six fights. Ngannou has suggested that Jones should “watch and learn” from his own successful transition into an independent businessman. Whether through a formal release or a rare co-promotion, the path to a Jones vs. Ngannou boxing match depends entirely on whether the UFC is willing to relinquish its hold on the current heavyweight champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jon Jones still a champion in the UFC?
Yes, Jon Jones is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion and a former Light Heavyweight Champion. Although he has expressed interest in boxing and stated he feels “retired” from MMA because of his success in business, he remains officially under contract with the UFC.
Who does Francis Ngannou currently fight for?
Francis Ngannou is signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for mixed martial arts, where he also serves as President of PFL Africa. For his boxing matches, he competes under the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner, founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.
What were the “Freedom 250” disputes regarding Jon Jones?
On March 9, 2026, Jones requested his release from the UFC following a disagreement with Dana White about a potential event at the White House. This dispute also involved public arguments regarding Jones’s hip arthritis and his refusal of what he described as a “lowball” contract offer.
