Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou Exchange Words at PFL 5

Inside Fighting

June 17, 2023

Jon Jones ran into Francis Ngannou at PFL 5

The fight we never got to see.

The two baddest men on the planet ran into each other at PFL 5 – just not the way MMA fans were hoping for. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones spoke with former UFC champion (and newly signed PFL fighter) Francis Ngannou face-to-face for the first time since claiming the title at PFL 5.

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Jones was in attendance in the corner of PFL heavyweight Maurice Greene, while Ngannou was attending his first PFL event as a newly signed fighter. The two giants shook hands and the confrontation seemed entirely respectful – though in some footage, Jones can be overheard saying “you don’t want that smoke!”

Jones was ramping up to make his heavyweight debut against Ngannou last year, but the UFC couldn’t come to terms with the African heavyweight. Ngannou went on to sign a lucrative deal with the PFL that includes the ability to pursue boxing fights.

Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou may never happen, but there are rumors circulating that a third candidate for the baddest man on the planet – Tyson Fury – is interested in a boxing bout against either of them.