Jon Jones continues turning up the pressure on the UFC as speculation grows about a potential super fight with Francis Ngannou outside the promotion.
Jones, who worked as an analyst during MVP MMA’s debut event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, openly praised Most Valuable Promotions while subtly taking shots at the UFC’s presentation.
Following the event, Jones spoke glowingly about MVP’s production and atmosphere. “I thought the MVP promotion was absolutely unbelievable,” Jones said. “I think it was actually better than the UFC.”
The former two-division UFC champion highlighted the overall presentation and fan experience. “I’ve never been at such a promotion where they had the fog machines and the TVs absolutely everywhere, great fighters.”
Jones also referenced the electric crowd reaction during the co-main event featuring Mike Perry and Nate Diaz. “Half the audience came out to see Diaz win. Both guys are my close personal friends, so it was bittersweet.”
Ngannou Fight Talk Intensifies
The comments came shortly after Ngannou violently knocked out Philipe Lins in the first round and immediately called out Jones.
Jones later admitted publicly that he remains interested in fighting Ngannou, but repeatedly emphasized that his UFC contract remains the biggest obstacle.
The heavyweight showdown has long been viewed by fans as one of the biggest fights never made in MMA history.
Now, with MVP MMA emerging as a serious competitor in combat sports and Jones openly complimenting the company, speculation continues growing about whether Jake Paul and MVP could eventually help facilitate the fight.
Jones Praises Rousey’s Dominant Return
Jones also praised Rousey after her quick victory over Carano in the main event. Ronda Rousey submitted Carano with her trademark armbar just 17 seconds into the opening round in her first MMA appearance in nearly a decade.
“Ronda did absolutely unbelievable,” Jones said. “She did exactly what I thought she would do and won in less than a minute.”
Jones credited Rousey’s elite grappling background for the dominant performance. “Her judo and her jiu-jitsu, I mean she’s put so many years into it. The other girls to this day are still so far behind.”
Pressure Building On UFC
Jones’ latest comments add another layer to his increasingly public frustration with the UFC.
In recent weeks he has:
- Repeatedly discussed trying to leave his UFC contract
- Publicly entertained fighting Ngannou under the MVP banner
- Praised rival promotions openly
- Suggested Jake Paul and MVP could potentially help fund a legal effort to free him from his UFC deal
While UFC CEO Dana White has shown little interest in working with Ngannou again, Jones continues keeping the dream matchup alive publicly.
Ryan Garcia Reveals Conor Benn Fight During Jimmy Fallon Appearance
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
