Jones weighs UFC exit as boxing future looms
Jon Jones says leaving his UFC contract is 'very, very possible' as he pursues a boxing career, even hinting at a possible Ngannou bout and signaling a potential shift from MMA.
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Megan Fox marks 40 with a fiery birthday shoot as Ngannou returns to the cage
Megan Fox celebrated turning 40 with a bold, fire-themed birthday shoot, while Netflix’s MMA night featured Francis Ngannou returning with a knockout, Mike Perry stopping Nate Diaz, and Ronda Rousey submitting Gina Carano in a 17-second finish.
Ngannou Extends Lineal Heavyweight Reign with First-Round KO of Lins
Francis Ngannou knocked out Phillipe Lins in the first round (4:31) to retain the heavyweight lineal championship at a MVPW event, continuing his return-to-competition after a stint in professional boxing.
Ngannou: Jones chatter was bait to secure a UFC deal
Francis Ngannou says the much-discussed potential fight with Jon Jones was never truly on the table and was used by UFC executives as leverage during contract negotiations. Negotiations failed and Ngannou earned free agency, while Jones moved up to heavyweight and became champion. Ngannou later fought in the PFL and is set to face Philipe Lins on Netflix, and while a UFC return isn’t ruled out, it would have to make sense for both sides. He still wants a Jones fight before retirement, but only if the terms are right.
Ngannou set for MMA return on Rousey–Carano card against Philipe Lins
Francis Ngannou will return to MMA on May 16 for Most Valuable Promotions' Netflix event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, taking on Philipe Lins in a five-round bout at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Ngannou Makes MMA Return on Netflix Card Headlined by Rousey-Carano
Francis Ngannou is returning to MMA on a Netflix-broadcast card that features Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, scheduled for May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Ngannou will fight former UFC heavyweight Philipe Lins, marking his first appearance since leaving PFL. The event, promoted by MVP and Netflix, will be Netflix's first MMA show, with additional undercard details to be announced later.
PFL Parts Ways With Ngannou, Shifts Focus to Recruiting New Talent for 2026
The Professional Fighters League has released Francis Ngannou after just one appearance in the promotion, as PFL pivots toward recruiting new talent for its 2026 schedule. Ngannou, 39, has largely focused on boxing against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua and was briefly appointed PFL Africa chairman, but did not attend the 2025 Africa debut, making a UFC return unlikely per Dana White. PFL also plans a busy 2026 tour across multiple domestic and international stops after recently retiring its tournament format.
PFL’s First Rankings Omit Ngannou as Promotion Promises Evolution
The PFL released its initial rankings under a new system, excluding Francis Ngannou from the heavyweight and pound-for-pound lists. CEO John Martin says these rankings are a starting point that will evolve over the next several months as fighters compete, with Ngannou still under contract and potentially a special project planned for him in 2026. The rankings are independently administered by Combat Registry.