Jon Jones will not be able to avoid it for much longer – Francis Ngannou has just revealed the conditions to end the bloody feud.

After years of speculation, drama, and divergent paths, Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones is once again at the forefront of MMA discussion—and this time, it might actually be possible. But there’s a catch: Ngannou has made it clear that there’s only one way this dream fight can happen.

While Ngannou has no intention of returning to the UFC full-time, his camp has floated the possibility of a one-time co-promotion deal with the UFC that would allow the bout to take place. The idea is revolutionary in modern MMA, where the UFC traditionally keeps tight control over matchmaking and fighter contracts.

Ngannou vs Jon Jones: A Super Fight Years in the Making

This potential clash between two of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history has long been dubbed the sport’s “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao”. At one time, both Ngannou and Jones held UFC gold, and fans clamored to see the two titans go toe-to-toe. But contract disputes, injuries, and timing never allowed the stars to align—until now.

Jon Jones has recently made public comments suggesting he’s finally open and eager for the bout. On X (formerly Twitter), the reigning UFC heavyweight champion posted:

“I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight… A clash of champions, not just hype.”

This wasn’t just empty promotion—it was the most significant sign yet that Jones is ready to engage in a legacy-defining fight with the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Ngannou’s Team Breaks Silence on UFC Partnership Possibility

In an interview with Home of Fight, Ngannou’s longtime coach Eric Nicksick offered the clearest path yet to make the fight a reality. According to Nicksick, Ngannou is willing to return under the right terms—specifically, a co-promotional deal that would allow him to work with, not for, the UFC.

“Francis Ngannou versus Jon Jones—that’s the MMA fight the world wants to see,” said Nicksick. “He’s willing to negotiate some kind of partnership to do it.”

The term “partnership” is key here. Unlike fighters who re-sign exclusive UFC deals, Ngannou wants to retain the freedom he earned after leaving the UFC, where he became a pioneering force for fighter independence by signing with the PFL.

PFL’s Role in the Super Fight

Ngannou signed with the PFL in 2023, in a deal that shocked the industry and included not only high pay, but also fighter equity, leadership roles, and the freedom to box professionally. It was an unprecedented move that shifted the balance of power in MMA.

For a fight with Jon Jones to occur, the PFL would likely need to co-promote with the UFC—a move the UFC has only done once before (UFC 105 with PRIDE fighter Mirko Cro Cop). Such a deal would be historic, and according to another member of Ngannou’s team, Dewey Cooper, it’s the only way it happens.

“I truly feel if you asked me if he’s willing to go to the table with a co-promotion, absolutely he would… but he’s not going back to the UFC full-time.”

Ngannou’s Final Stand: Never Going Back to the UFC

Despite being open to talks, Ngannou is standing firm on one crucial point: he will not return to the UFC permanently. As per Dewey Cooper:

“I don’t see any chance of Francis returning to the UFC… it’s just not happening.”

This is a critical distinction. Ngannou doesn’t want to hand over control to Dana White and UFC matchmakers. Instead, he wants to meet at the table as an equal—a true champion facing another champion, without the limitations of exclusive contracts.

That’s a bold move. And it puts the ball squarely in Dana White’s court.

Will Dana White Agree to a Co-Promotion?

Dana White has a long history of resisting co-promotion deals. The UFC brand thrives on exclusivity and control, and the idea of sharing profits, broadcast rights, or promotional control is almost unheard of.

But this is not a typical fight.

Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou has the potential to:

• Break UFC pay-per-view records

• Sell out Allegiant Stadium or Madison Square Garden

• Attract mainstream sports and celebrity attention

• Become the most profitable fight in MMA history

If White is serious about giving fans what they want—and capitalizing on the financial upside—he may have to make an exception.

Cooper put it best:

“If the business truly made sense, I don’t think Dana would be pig-headed to say no… but it has to be done a certain way, or there’s no way it could happen.”

What’s at Stake for Jon Jones?

For Jon Jones, this may be his final legacy test. He has already cemented himself as arguably the greatest fighter in MMA history, with over a decade of dominance at light heavyweight and a recent victory over Ciryl Gane at heavyweight.

But even with that, critics still question:

• Has Jones truly been tested at heavyweight?

• Would he survive against a true KO artist like Ngannou?

• Can he beat someone bigger, stronger, and more explosive than anyone he’s faced?

A win over Ngannou, even via co-promotion, would answer all of those questions—and silence even the harshest critics.

Jones himself seems to understand this:

“This is the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story.”

He’s right. It’s not just a fight. It’s history.

Ngannou’s Redemption and Legacy

For Francis Ngannou, this is the fight that could rewrite his UFC exit narrative.

When he left the promotion in early 2023, many doubted whether he’d ever return to elite competition. Others accused him of being scared of Jones. But since then, he:

• Signed the richest free-agent contract in MMA history

• Knocked down Tyson Fury in a shocking boxing debut

• Maintained his place as a top heavyweight attraction

Now, Ngannou wants to come back on his terms. A win over Jones would not just be revenge—it would validate every decision he made, and cement his legacy as the baddest man on the planet.

How Would a Co-Promotion Work?

A hypothetical UFC x PFL co-promotion could work as follows:

• Ngannou and Jones fight on a joint pay-per-view card

• Revenue is split between both organizations

• PFL fighters and sponsors may be featured in the promotion

• The bout could take place in Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia, or even Africa

The UFC could retain creative control, but PFL’s inclusion would legitimize the idea of fighter freedom, setting a new standard in the sport.

This kind of setup may be complicated—but it would change MMA forever.

Final Hurdles and What’s Next

The biggest challenges now are:

1. UFC’s willingness to accept co-promotion

2. Jones’ contract and availability (especially post-injury)

3. Ngannou’s PFL schedule, particularly if he plans another boxing match

That said, the public interest is growing. Fans, fighters, and pundits are all calling for the bout. And with Jones now actively engaging online, the timing feels perfect.

Could we finally be heading toward the most anticipated heavyweight fight of all time?

Conclusion: The Super Fight Can Happen – But Only on Ngannou’s Terms

Francis Ngannou has spoken: he won’t return to the UFC, but he’s willing to make the Jon Jones fight happen—under one condition: a co-promotion.

Jon Jones is now on board. The world is watching. The money is there. The legacies are ready to collide.

Now, the question is simple:

Will Dana White pick up the phone?