The ongoing evolution of Jake Paul‘s influence in combat sports has sparked another wave of speculation across the MMA community. This time, the conversation centers around Jon Jones and the possibility of one of the sport’s most anticipated matchups finally becoming reality. The former UFC champion publicly asked for his release from the promotion following disputes surrounding a proposed White House card with Dana White.
Hearing this cry for help, Paul made it clear that his promotion would welcome him with open arms and promised a big payday.
“Yeah, 100%! Jon, you’re always welcome to come over to MVP,” Paul told Netflix Sports.
“We’ll get it popping, and we’ll get you paid what you deserve.”
The comment instantly reignited discussions around a fight that has been debated by fans for years: Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou.
Jones, widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, recently found himself in a public disagreement with UFC president Dana White.
The dispute emerged after Jones was left off an upcoming event reportedly tied to a White House card.
Jones negotiations break down
In a detailed statement on social media, Jones said that negotiations had taken place but ultimately broke down after what he described as a “lowball” offer from the promotion.
According to the former two-division champion, he had even undergone stem cell treatment for ongoing hip issues and was preparing to enter a training camp before the talks collapsed.
While Jones remains under contract with the UFC, another crucial piece of the hypothetical matchup has already moved outside the organization.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is now competing under the banner of MVP.
After departing the PFL, Ngannou is scheduled to return to MMA on May 16 in a fight against Philipe Lins.
The event will also feature a high-profile main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
The coincidence immediately fueled speculation among fans. If MVP already has Ngannou on its roster and Paul is openly inviting Jones, the promotion could theoretically bring together one of the most talked-about matchups in the sport’s history.
However, the UFC rarely releases fighters capable of headlining major events, and Jones still has contractual obligations with the organization. Still, the mere possibility has energized fan discussions online.
Ngannou vs Jones: The big ‘what if’
For years, the potential clash between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou has been one of MMA’s biggest “what-if” scenarios.
Jones dominated the light heavyweight division with 11 successful title defenses before eventually moving up to capture the heavyweight championship. Meanwhile, Ngannou built his reputation as one of the most devastating punchers in UFC history.
Since leaving the promotion, Ngannou has also tested himself in boxing, stepping into the ring against heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The contrast between Jones‘ elite grappling and tactical brilliance and Ngannou‘s explosive knockout power has long made the matchup a fascinating hypothetical.
But with platforms like Netflix entering the combat sports ecosystem and fighters exploring alternatives outside traditional organizations like the UFC, the landscape is evolving quickly and different matchups are coming out of thin air.
Paul‘s invitation ensured, at least, that the conversation surrounding that dream matchup is once again impossible for fans to ignore.
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