It’s the fight that refuses to fade from memory, a dream matchup between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. For fans, it’s a tantalizing “what if” scenario that has become the stuff of MMA lore. The former UFC heavyweight champion’s departure in 2023, fueled by disagreements with boss Dana White over the terms of his contract, left a chasm in the sport. Meanwhile, Jones, the arguable MMA G.O.A.T. has been facing criticism for sidestepping interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. But it looks like the winds of change might be blowing for this blockbuster matchup!

HE Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s GEA (General Entertainment Authority), is reigniting hopes for a megafight that could shake the MMA world. During a recent interview, Alalshikh dropped intriguing hints about a potential deal for Ngannou that could finally answer the prayers of fight fans everywhere!

Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones fight might be in the works as Turki Alalshikh drops massive hint for ‘The Predator’s future  

During an appearance on ‘The Ariel Helwani Show’, Turki Alalshikh didn’t mince words when discussing his plans for the former UFC champion. “I have on the table 2 options for Francis. One in MMA, and one in Boxing. I want to discuss with him,” he revealed.

While he did indicate that, “The MMA you know all the time we want to do the biggest things”, the mystery deepened as Helwani probed further, asking whether the MMA option might involve Jon Jones. Alalshikh’s response? A cryptic beep.

For fans, the possibility of a Ngannou-Jones clash feels like a plot twist in a long-running saga. Helwani captured the sentiment perfectly, calling it potentially Alalshikh’s “greatest move of all.” After all, orchestrating a crossover bout between the PFL and UFC would be unprecedented.

But Alalshikh added his own brand of flair to the conversation. “We need to send Dana White to the moon,” he quipped, humorously suggesting that the UFC boss might not want to stick around for the negotiations. While there haven’t been any indications from White’s side for this matchup, PFL CEO Peter Murray recently placed the ball firmly in the UFC’s court.

During an interview with TalkSport MMA, Murray confessed, “I mean, the fighters want the fight. Jon Jones wants the fight, Francis wants the fight, we want the fight, our partners here in Saudi want the fight. And so, you know, it comes down to, does the UFC want to step up to it or not?”

But the road ahead isn’t easy. The UFC, fiercely protective of its brand, has little precedent for cross-promotion. And while Ngannou’s boxing aspirations offer an alternative path, fans remain fixated on the possibility of him squaring off against Jon Jones in the Octagon. But according to a UFC veteran, the gears may already be set in motion!

Chael Sonnen reveals how Dana White got ‘outplayed’ by the PFL  

PFL CEO Peter Murray has thrown down the gauntlet, urging the UFC to “step up” and make the fight happen. It’s a bold move, but one that has fans buzzing. And according to former UFC star Chael Sonnen, it’s a stroke of promotional genius.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen explained, “The story as the PFL would like it to be told, and they were the ones telling the story are- ‘our partners,’ the PFL does business in Riyadh with the same folks the UFC does business with in Riyadh ‘our partners want Francis Ngannou versus Jon Jones.’ And see, you got to understand this is a very good play, and there’s not a lot of plays around it.”

Sonnen’s praise for the PFL’s strategy carries weight, as he believes they’re playing the long game to keep this potential blockbuster in the public consciousness. Of course, Dana White isn’t biting. The UFC CEO has consistently dismissed the idea of Jones vs. Ngannou. For White, the logistics of a cross-promotional event between the UFC and PFL are more trouble than they’re worth.

But Sonnen further stated, “The first step that any of you will see in the direction of Jon Jones taking on Francis Ngannou, the first step will be the UFC addressing and refusing the contest.”

Still, the road to this fight happening is filled with obstacles. Cross-promotion is rare in MMA, and Francis Ngannou’s rocky departure from the UFC only adds another layer of complexity. Yet, the fact that both fighters have expressed interest keeps the flame alive. So, what’s next? Will the UFC and Dana White bend to the will of fans and take a leap of faith? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below!