The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is ramping up efforts to bring one of the most anticipated superfights in MMA history to life.
During the PFL World Championship event in Saudi Arabia, PFL CEO Peter Murray urged the UFC to collaborate and book Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou in what could be the biggest heavyweight clash ever seen in the sport.
In his statement to talkSPORT, Murray emphasized how all parties involved are ready for the fight.
“We’re supportive of it. I mean, the fighters want the fight,” Murray stated. “Jon Jones wants the fight, Francis wants the fight, we want the fight, our partners here in Saudi want the fight. And so, you know, it comes down to, does the UFC want to step up to it or not? Period.”
Recent Performances
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, recently showcased his devastating power under the PFL banner, scoring a dominant first-round knockout against Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou’s performance reaffirmed his standing as one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA and further fueled speculation about a potential showdown with Jones.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones continues to dominate in the UFC. The reigning heavyweight champion headlined UFC 309 earlier this month at Madison Square Garden, delivering a brutal third-round knockout against former two-time champion Stipe Miocic.
With that victory, Jones solidified his position as the top heavyweight in MMA.
Calls for Collaboration
While Jones is reportedly in talks for a title unification bout against interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall—potentially set for International Fight Week in 2024—the idea of a blockbuster contest with Ngannou persists.
The proposed bout could take place in Saudi Arabia, where lucrative opportunities and fan demand are high.
However, Jones has previously insisted that a “lucrative offer” would need to be made by the UFC for him to consider such a fight.
Ngannou, now under the PFL umbrella, has openly expressed his desire to face Jones, which has only added to the anticipation.
The PFL, hoping to bridge the gap between the organizations, appears willing to cooperate to make the grudge match a reality. The UFC, on the other hand, has been noncommittal so far.
What’s Next?
The dream fight between Jones and Ngannou remains uncertain, but both fighters’ recent performances and fan pressure add further intrigue. With both combatants seemingly on board, the next step lies in what Murray called on the UFC to do: “step up” and finalize the match.
Fans of MMA worldwide now wait to see if this mega-fight can live up to the hype and come to fruition.
Will the UFC and PFL join forces, or will this clash of titans remain a dream? Only time will tell.
