Francis Ngannou used his recent pre-fight spotlight to take another jab at Jon Jones, stating that the former UFC heavyweight champion “should be learning some tricks by now to understand how business works.” Ngannou added that if he encounters Jones, he will “give him some advice for business,” a comment that fits their rivalry, which is as much about timing and leverage as it is about fighting.
Francis Ngannou Has Message for Jon Jones Ahead of Saturday Fight
Ngannou made these remarks before his return to MMA against Philipe Lins on the May 16 Netflix card in Los Angeles. This event is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and will be streamed globally on Netflix. The heavyweight bout is part of a larger card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, marking the Cameroonian athlete’s first MMA appearance since his PFL debut.
The 39-year-old fighter has already carved out a unique post-UFC career. He left the promotion after vacating its heavyweight belt, then defeated Renan Ferreira by first-round knockout in October 2024 to claim the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. Ngannou also participated in major pay-per-view boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, further solidifying his reputation as one of combat sports’ biggest draws outside the UFC.
Jones’ name continues to loom large over the heavyweight division. He won the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, defended it against Stipe Miocic, and then retired in June 2025, leading the UFC to elevate Tom Aspinall to undisputed champion. Prior to his exit, Jones and Ngannou were long linked for a heavyweight showdown that never materialized. Jones also opted out of a potential unification fight against Aspinall.
Ngannou and Jones have exchanged words for years, including public barbs after Jones claimed he could defeat Ngannou, Aspinall, and Miocic. Ngannou retorted that Jones was “in your dreams” and mocked his physique during earlier exchanges. Ngannou still holds the idea of the UFC lineal heavyweight crown, a status that has kept his name in the same conversation as Jones, even after his departure from the promotion.
Ngannou believes the business lesson is clear. He took risks, moved on from the UFC, and continued to pursue significant opportunities, while Jones spent years in negotiations that failed to produce the matchup fans most desired. Saturday’s return gives Ngannou another chance to keep his name at the forefront of heavyweight MMA, with Jones once again lingering in the background.
