Francis Ngannou has revealed that the Jon Jones superfight that was dangled during his UFC contract negotiations was never a genuine offer, describing it as leverage rather than a real booking the promotion intended to make.
Speaking about the circumstances of his 2023 departure from the UFC, Ngannou said the matchup that fans and analysts had been anticipating for years was used as a tool to keep him engaged in talks without any actual commitment behind it.
The fight was never really on the table," Ngannou stated.
The revelation adds new context to one of the most discussed exits in UFC history. At the time Ngannou left, many observers believed a Jones fight was imminent, making his departure feel particularly abrupt.
Despite the frustration, Ngannou said he still wants the Jones matchup before his career ends and views it as unfinished business. Jones has remained with the UFC and continues to hold the heavyweight title, while Ngannou has since competed in boxing and signed with the PFL.
Ngannou returns to the cage on May 16 at the Netflix card at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, facing Philipe Lins on the same night Ronda Rousey headlines against Gina Carano.
