PFL Chairman Donn Davis: Ngannou vs. Jones Match Could Happen, Though Unlikely
PFL Chairman Donn Davis stated that a fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones is “unlikely,” but still a possibility. Last weekend, Ngannou made an impressive return at the PFL Superfights event, where he defeated Renan Ferreira in the main event. This was Ngannou’s first fight in PFL, elevating him to the second position in the global heavyweight rankings. The event sparked discussions about the highly anticipated bout between Ngannou and Jones, a clash that fans have been eager for over the years.
In a Town Hall meeting with MMA Fighting, Davis expressed optimism about the potential for the match to take place. He said, “I’m an optimistic person. From a business standpoint, I’m a realist, but I’m always optimistic. Even Jon Jones’ tweets have me feeling excited. That’s very different from the past three years.” Davis believes that while the fight has not happened in the past, there is still a chance for it in the future.
Challenges in Organizing a Cross-Promotion Fight
Although Ngannou and Jones have teased the possibility of a matchup while competing in the UFC, the fight has never materialized. After Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 to join PFL, Jones officially moved up to heavyweight and captured the UFC championship. While they are currently fighting for different organizations, the tension between the two fighters remains, highlighted by a surprising encounter at a PFL event last year.
Davis acknowledged that collaboration between the UFC and PFL seems unlikely, but he believes money could change the situation. He emphasized, “If I were a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on that happening. But if you gave me 4:1 odds, I’d take it. I think the possibility exists.” Davis also highlighted the importance of Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, who has heavily invested in combat sports and has close ties to both organizations. He believes that with Alalshikh’s involvement, the likelihood of organizing the Ngannou vs. Jones fight is entirely feasible. “There are a lot of exciting things that could happen. I’m not the most important person here. Turki and Dana are the key players,” Davis said.
