Turki Alalshikh Hints at Working on Potential Francis Ngannou-Jon Jones Fight

Turki Alalshikh hints at potentially trying to make Francis Ngannou vs Jon Jones happen 👀

“In MMA, all the time we want to do the biggest things… we need to send Dana White to the moon.” 😅

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🎥 @DAZNBoxing #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/SqJqqUtOGj

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 3, 2024

All hope isn’t lost when it comes to making arguably the biggest heavyweight fight in MMA.

When Jon Jones initially announced his plan to return to action at heavyweight, the most anticipated fight was a showdown against then UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou. However, a lengthy contract dispute with the UFC eventually led to Ngannou’s exit from the promotion in January 2023. The Cameroonian-Frenchman went on to join rival promotion Professional Fighters League, where he was also allowed to compete in boxing.

Meanwhile, Jones went on to win the vacant title with an easy submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. While talks of a potential clash between Jones and Ngannou didn’t die down, “The Predator” seemingly burned all his bridges with Dana White while leaving the UFC.

However, another big player — who is also a friend of White — is interested in making the fight happen. Saudi Arabian advisor and current chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh has been making major moves in the world of combat sports. Alalshikh recently teamed up with White to host UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas this past September. Alalshikh recently hinted that he might be working toward a potential clash between Jones and Ngannou.

“Yes, I have in the table two options for Francis. One in MMA and one in boxing I want to discuss with [him]… In the MMA my answer is, all the time we want to do the biggest things,” Alalshikh told Ariel Helwani in an interview on DAZN Boxing.

When Helwani asked Alalshikh if he was hinting at Ngannou vs. Jones, the Saudi minister laughed and said: “We need to send Dana White to the moon.”

With the PFL already interested in a crossover, Alalshikh could make the fight happen if he can get White on board.

Ngannou suffered consecutive losses against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing after joining the PFL. He recently made his promotional debut at "Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” this past October, where he knocked out season 2023 heavyweight champ Renan Ferreira in the first round.

Meanwhile, Jones has defended his title with a spinning back kick knockout win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last month. “Bones” remains adamant on not fighting interim champ Tom Aspinall unless offered a mammoth payday.