Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou in an MMA fight remains unlikely to ever happen, but it hasn’t stopped them from continuing to tease the world.
After former UFC heavyweight champ Ngannou and current titleholder Jones sized each other up cageside at a PFL event this past July, a similar scene unfolded Saturday at the PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, who is in Riyadh preparing for his boxing match with Anthony Joshua on March 8, was in attendance to potentially scout his next MMA opponent in the main event, which saw PFL 2023 heavyweight winner Renan Ferreira knock out Bellator champ Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds. It’s not as clear why Jones made the trip, but it set up another chance for the pair to see each other.
Watch the encounter below (via X):
"You need to go back to training!"
Francis Ngannou poked fun at Jon Jones' physique when they crossed paths at #PFLvsBellator. 😂 pic.twitter.com/ulW4VVtSfH
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 25, 2024
Johnny boy .. pic.twitter.com/gVwjNGAQ1C
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 25, 2024
Ngannou told Jones, who was forced to withdraw from a November title defense against Stipe Miocic and undergo surgery on his pectoral muscle and elbow, that he looked rather out of shape, prompting both men to laugh.
The entire exchange was lighthearted, but there was certainly an undertone of animosity and tension between the two sides given the longtime interest in seeing them compete.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL vs. Bellator: Champions.
