Francis Ngannou used his pre-fight spotlight to subtly mock Jon Jones, stating the former UFC heavyweight champion “should be learning some tricks by now to understand how business works.” Ngannou added that if he encounters Jones, he would “give him some advice for business,” a statement that resonates with a rivalry fueled by timing and leverage as much as by combat prowess.
Ngannou made these remarks in anticipation of his return to mixed martial arts against Philipe Lins on the May 16 Netflix card in Los Angeles. This event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, marks the Cameroonian fighter’s first MMA appearance since his PFL debut.
The 39-year-old fighter has already carved out a unique post-UFC career. After vacating the UFC heavyweight belt, he defeated Renan Ferreira by first-round knockout in October 2024 to claim the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. Furthermore, he engaged in major pay-per-view boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, solidifying his status as one of combat sports’ premier earners outside the UFC.
Jon Jones’ name continues to be a significant presence in the heavyweight division. He secured the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, defended it against Stipe Miocic, and subsequently retired in June 2025, leading to Tom Aspinall being elevated to undisputed champion. Prior to his exit, a highly anticipated showdown between Jones and Ngannou never materialized, with Jones also passing on a unification bout against Aspinall.
Ngannou and Jones have exchanged verbal jabs for years. This includes instances where Jones boasted about his ability to defeat Ngannou, Aspinall, and Miocic, prompting Ngannou to retort that Jones was “in your dreams” and to mock his physique in earlier exchanges. Ngannou still holds a claim to the lineal heavyweight crown, a status that has kept his name relevant in discussions alongside Jones, even after his departure from the UFC.
Ngannou views the business lesson as clear: he took risks, moved on from the UFC, and pursued significant opportunities. In contrast, Jones spent years in protracted negotiations that failed to deliver the highly sought-after matchup. Saturday’s bout offers Ngannou another platform to maintain his prominence in heavyweight MMA, with Jones once again lingering in the background.
