Ex-PFL analyst sounds alarm bells on Francis Ngannou situation amid talks of UFC return to face Jon Jones: “It’s not working out”

Francis Ngannou (left) is too expensive for the PFL to keep, says ex-analyst, amid Jon Jones (right) fight chatter [Images courtesy: Getty Images]
Francis Ngannou (left) is too expensive for the PFL to keep, says ex-analyst, amid Jon Jones (right) fight chatter [Images courtesy: Getty Images]

Recently, Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones have both indicated their interest in facing each other for the UFC heavyweight title. The matchup would be, without any doubt, the biggest heavyweight title fight in MMA history.

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But the main obstacle standing in the way of the bout coming to fruition is Ngannou's current status as a Professional Fighters' League (PFL) fighter.

'The Predator' signed with the PFL in 2023, leaving behind the UFC and the heavyweight title that he once held. He has since competed in several boxing matches, as well as making his promotional debut at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants against Renan Ferreira. According to former PFL analyst Josh Thomson, however, Ngannou's time with the PFL has all-but come to an end.

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Thomson, a former UFC fighter, discussed the Ngannou-Jones situation during a recent episode of the Weighin' In podcast, which he co-hosts with John McCarthy.

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He said this:

"The PFL can't afford Francis anymore, [the PFL] are not gonna pay you. It's not working out. Like, who are we going to have you fight? [Vadim] Nemkov, that's the only guy. There's nobody else for [Ngannou] to fight. So, move on. Go back and fight Jon. Make your $8 million of whatever it is, maybe even more than that now, 10 [million] to fight Jon Jones. They need something. The UFC needs it, the PFL could use a couple of other fighters."
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Catch Josh Thomson's comments on Francis Ngannou below (1:09:05):

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PFL chairman chimes in on Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones

During Francis Ngannou's reign as UFC heavyweight champion between 2021 and 2022 there was hope amongst fans that a potential mega-fight against Jon Jones could take place.

'Bones' had announced his move from light heavyweight to heavyweight in 2020. At the time, he stated that he needed some time to pack on the necessary amount of weight to compete against heavier opponents.

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A breakdown in negotiations for Ngannou's new contract saw him depart the UFC, and thus extinguished the potential for a bout with Jones. Now, however, Jones recently expressed interest in facing 'The Predator' and the chairman of the PFL has shared his thoughts on the potential matchup.

Donn Davis, the man in charge of the PFL, took to X and wrote:

"PROPOSAL... WINNER TAKES ALL. MMA best heavyweight of all time. @francis_ngannou vs. @jonnybones. [If] Francis wins... @PFLMMA and Francis split 100% event profits. [If] Jon wins... @ufc and Jon split 100% of the event profits."
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Catch Donn Davis' post about Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones below:

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Edited by Krishna Venki
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