In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, a single quote can ignite the imagination of millions. And when that quote comes from Jon Jones, arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history, the MMA world listens. Recently, Jones revealed his growing interest in a mega-fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, making it clear that Ngannou is the opponent who could truly elevate his legacy—not Tom Aspinall.
Jon “Bones” Jones has already cemented himself as one of the most dominant forces in MMA history. With multiple UFC Light Heavyweight title defenses and a recent transition to heavyweight, Jones has conquered nearly every challenge placed in front of him.
In March 2023, he silenced the critics with a dominant first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane, capturing the UFC Heavyweight Championship and becoming a two-division titleholder. But since then, injuries and uncertainties have paused his journey, leaving fans questioning who will be next.
Tom Aspinall, the rising British star and current interim UFC heavyweight champion, has been vocal about his desire to unify the belts with Jones. However, Jones seems far more interested in another, more personal challenge: Francis Ngannou.
Why Francis Ngannou Over Tom Aspinall?
While Aspinall has shown incredible talent, Jones believes that a fight with Ngannou carries far more legacy value. And he’s not wrong.
Francis Ngannou is not just a former champion—he’s a force of nature. With a terrifying knockout record, Ngannou climbed to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division and dethroned Stipe Miocic in devastating fashion in 2021. He later defended the belt against Ciryl Gane while battling a severe knee injury—before eventually parting ways with the UFC due to contract disputes.
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC only heightened his mystique. He signed with the PFL, negotiated unprecedented contract terms for fighters’ rights, and even stepped into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury, earning massive respect for his performance. For many, Ngannou is still the true king of heavyweight MMA, even without a UFC belt.
A fight between Jones and Ngannou isn’t just another title defense—it’s a superfight, the type of matchup that defines eras.
A Clash of Legacies, Not Just Hype
In his statement, Jones made it clear: he’s not interested in fighting “a mouth that’s hot right now.” That was a clear shot at Tom Aspinall, whose rapid rise and vocal callouts have stirred headlines. But from Jones’ perspective, hype alone doesn’t equal historical value.
Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou is a collision of two dominant champions from different paths:
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Jones: Undefeated in over a decade, dominant across weight classes, an elite technician.
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Ngannou: Raw power, knockout artist, champion inside and outside the cage, a global icon.
Both men have held the UFC heavyweight title. Both men are considered among the best to ever do it. And both believe they have unfinished business with one another. This isn’t just a fight—it’s a storybook climax to a decade of dominance and defiance.
What About Tom Aspinall?
Tom Aspinall is in a tough position. He’s earned the interim UFC title, and his recent wins—especially over Sergei Pavlovich—have proven that he’s not just hype; he’s a legitimate threat. Young, agile, explosive, and highly skilled, Aspinall has the tools to give anyone in the heavyweight division trouble—including Jones.
But from a legacy and draw standpoint, he’s not quite on the level of Ngannou or Jones. Not yet. Aspinall’s time may come, but for now, he remains the future—not the present marquee.
Jones’ disinterest in facing Aspinall isn’t necessarily a knock on the Brit’s talent. It’s more a statement of what really matters to Jon Jones at this stage in his career: making history, not just defending belts.
Will It Happen? The Big Question
The biggest obstacle standing in the way of Jones vs. Ngannou is promotion politics. Ngannou is no longer under UFC contract and is committed to at least one more boxing match under the PFL umbrella. Jones, meanwhile, is signed exclusively with the UFC.
Dana White has previously dismissed the possibility of Ngannou returning to the UFC. But in the fight business, money talks—and fan demand roars louder. If the UFC can put egos aside and reach a cross-promotional agreement with the PFL, the fight could become a reality in 2025.
And make no mistake: this fight would sell. With Jones’ GOAT status and Ngannou’s crossover appeal, it could break pay-per-view records and go down as the most anticipated heavyweight clash since Fedor vs. Cro Cop or Tyson vs. Holyfield.
Fan Reactions: Buzz Is Building
The MMA community has erupted in excitement over the idea of this superfight.
Reddit forums, Twitter threads, and YouTube reaction videos have filled with fans begging for the UFC and PFL to make it happen. Common sentiments include:
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“This is the real title unification bout.”
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“Jones vs. Ngannou is the fight of the decade—nothing else compares.”
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“Aspinall’s good, but he’s not the guy. Not yet.”
Even former fighters like Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen have weighed in, acknowledging that a fight between Jones and Ngannou would be legacy-defining for both men.
What’s Next?
Jones is expected to return in late 2024 or early 2025, possibly after recovering from his injury. Ngannou, on the other hand, may schedule another boxing match before returning to MMA.
If both sides can align and negotiations succeed, we could witness one of the biggest fights in modern MMA history.
In the meantime, Tom Aspinall may continue to build his case, defend his interim title, and await the eventual opportunity to fight whoever emerges from the Jon Jones–Ngannou saga.
The Fight That Changes Everything
Jon Jones’ desire to fight Francis Ngannou is not about chasing fame—it’s about crafting a legacy that no one can touch. A fight between these two titans would be more than just a championship bout; it would be a cultural moment, a symbolic passing of the torch—or perhaps the crowning of the greatest heavyweight in MMA history.
Whether you’re Team Jones, Team Ngannou, or still rooting for Aspinall to get his shot, one thing is clear: this is the fight the world wants to see.
And Jon Jones just made the first move.