White blasts idea of co-promoting Ngannou-Jones: 'Why would I do that?'

UFC CEO Dana White has no desire to team up with the PFL to book a fight between heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.

"I'm not interested in that," White said Saturday at the UFC 295 postfight press conference, according to MMA Fighting. "We tried to make that fight. (Team Ngannou) didn't wanna do it. It's done. (Ngannou) doesn't fight here anymore. I'm not interested."

There was talk throughout the MMA community about the UFC and PFL potentially co-promoting the long-awaited matchup after Ngannou surprised in his boxing debut in October, taking world champion Tyson Fury to a split decision.

Ngannou left the UFC as the reigning heavyweight champion in January to test free agency. He went on to sign an MMA contract with the PFL.

As the head of the world's biggest MMA organization, White has long steered clear of co-promoting with rival companies. And he sees no value in booking Ngannou-Jones now.

"We got (the) Nos. 1, 2, and 3 (live gates in Madison Square Garden history). (The PFL) can't sell a f-----g gate. ... Why would I do that?" White said. "I tried to make the fight here. They didn't wanna do it. But I should co-promote with a Bellator or a PFL? Why should I do that?"

The UFC discussed booking Ngannou-Jones for years, but it never materialized for various reasons. Jones was at odds with the promotion in 2020 and 2021 over his pay, and then Ngannou fought out his contract in 2022.

Jones captured the vacant heavyweight title in March after Ngannou parted ways with the UFC. "Bones" is expected to make his first defense against former champion Stipe Miocic in 2024.

Ngannou's next move isn't official, but it appears he'll likely compete in another boxing match.