Francis Ngannou has taken another jab at Jon Jones, suggesting the former UFC heavyweight champion “should be learning some tricks by now to understand how business works.” Ngannou indicated that if he encounters Jones, he will “give him some advice for business,” a statement that resonates with a rivalry fueled as much by timing and leverage as by actual combat.
Ngannou made these remarks in anticipation of his return to mixed martial arts against Philipe Lins on the May 16th Netflix card in Los Angeles, an event presented by Most Valuable Promotions and streamed globally on Netflix. This heavyweight clash is part of a larger card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, marking 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 via first-round knockout in October 2024 to secure the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. Additionally, he engaged in major pay-per-view boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, solidifying his status as one of combat sports’ most lucrative draws outside the UFC.
Jon Jones’ presence continues to loom over the heavyweight division. He claimed the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, successfully defended it against Stipe Miocic, and then retired in June 2025, prompting the UFC to recognize Tom Aspinall as the undisputed champion. Prior to his departure, a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Jones and Ngannou never materialized, with Jones also opting out of a potential unification bout against Aspinall.
Ngannou and Jones have exchanged words for years. This includes public barbs after Jones asserted he could defeat Ngannou, Aspinall, and Miocic. Ngannou retorted that Jones was “in your dreams” and commented on his physique during earlier exchanges. Ngannou still holds the distinction of being the lineal heavyweight champion, a status that has kept his name in contention with Jones’s even after his exit from the UFC.
Ngannou believes the business lesson is evident. He took calculated risks, moved on from the UFC, and pursued significant opportunities, while Jones spent years in negotiations that failed to produce the highly desired matchup. Saturday’s fight provides Ngannou another platform to maintain his prominence in heavyweight MMA, with Jones still a noteworthy figure in the background.
Francis Ngannou Mocks Jon Jones With Blunt “Business” Message Before Netflix Bout
English Translation:
Francis Ngannou has used his latest pre-fight spotlight to take another shot at Jon Jones, stating that the former UFC heavyweight champion “should be learning some tricks by now to understand how business works.” Ngannou added that if he sees Jones around, he will “give him some advice for business,” a line that fits a rivalry built as much on timing and leverage as on fighting itself.
Ngannou made these comments ahead of his return to MMA against Philipe Lins on the May 16 Netflix card in Los Angeles, a show promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and streamed worldwide on Netflix. The heavyweight bout is part of a larger event headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, and the card marks the Cameroonian athlete’s first MMA appearance since his PFL debut.
The 39-year-old athlete has already built a rare post-UFC resume, leaving the promotion after vacating its heavyweight belt and then beating Renan Ferreira by first-round knockout in October 2024 to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. He also boxed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in major pay-per-view bouts, adding to his reputation as one of combat sports’ biggest paydays outside the UFC.
Jones’ name still hangs over the heavyweight division. He won the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, later defended it against Stipe Miocic, and then retired in June 2025, which led the UFC to elevate Tom Aspinall to undisputed champion. Before that exit, Jones and Ngannou had long been linked to a heavyweight showdown that never happened, with Jones also skipping the chance to face Aspinall in a unification fight.
Ngannou and Jones have traded words for years, including public barbs after Jones claimed he could beat Ngannou, Aspinall and Miocic, while Ngannou shot back that Jones was “in your dreams” and mocked his body shape during earlier exchanges. Ngannou still carries the idea of the UFC lineal heavyweight crown, a status that has kept his name in the same conversation as Jones even after he left the promotion.
Ngannou believes the business lesson is obvious. He took risks, moved on from the UFC, and kept fighting for big opportunities, while Jones spent years in talks that never produced the matchup fans wanted most. Saturday’s return gives Ngannou another chance to keep his name near the center of heavyweight MMA, with Jones again in the background.
