Francis Ngannou used his recent pre-fight platform to subtly criticize Jon Jones, stating that the former UFC heavyweight champion “should have picked up a few things by now on how business operates.” Ngannou further commented that he would “offer him some business advice” if he encountered Jones, a remark that aligns with their rivalry, which has been as much about timing and negotiation leverage as it has been about their fighting potential.
Ngannou made these remarks in anticipation of his return to mixed martial arts against Philipe Lins on the May 16th Netflix event in Los Angeles. This event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, will be streamed globally on Netflix. The heavyweight clash is part of a larger card, with Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano headlining. This bout marks the Cameroonian fighter’s first MMA appearance since his debut in the PFL.
The 39-year-old fighter has already carved out a distinctive post-UFC career. He departed the promotion after relinquishing its heavyweight belt, then secured the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title by defeating Renan Ferreira via first-round knockout in October 2024. Additionally, he participated in major pay-per-view boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, solidifying his status as one of combat sports’ most lucrative draws outside of the UFC.
Jon Jones’ name continues to resonate within the heavyweight division. He claimed the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, successfully defended it against Stipe Miocic, and subsequently retired in June 2025, prompting the UFC to recognize Tom Aspinall as the undisputed champion. Prior to his retirement, Jones and Ngannou were long-rumored to be on a collision course for a heavyweight showdown that never materialized. Jones also opted out of a potential unification bout against Aspinall.
Ngannou and Jones have engaged in verbal sparring for years. This includes public exchanges where Jones asserted his superiority over Ngannou, Aspinall, and Miocic. Ngannou retorted by calling Jones’ claims “delusional” and mockingly referencing his physique during earlier disagreements. Ngannou still holds the perceived claim to the lineal heavyweight crown of the UFC, a status that has kept him relevant in discussions alongside Jones, even after his departure from the organization.
Ngannou believes the business lesson is straightforward. He took calculated risks, moved away from the UFC, and actively pursued significant opportunities. In contrast, Jones spent years in protracted negotiations that failed to produce the highly anticipated matchup. Saturday’s return offers Ngannou another platform to maintain his prominence at the forefront of heavyweight MMA, with Jones remaining a figure in the periphery.