Dricus Du Plessis: Jon Jones Would Easily Beat Francis Ngannou, He Says

Dricus Du Plessis says a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou would not be close. The UFC middleweight champion spoke about the matchup on the Fight Forecast show and called it a one-sided fight for Jones.

Du Plessis’ prediction

On Fight Forecast, Du Plessis dismissed the idea that Jones and Ngannou would have a close fight. He said, “I think that’s Jones easy. I think Jones… I don’t even think that’s a fight.”

The interview clip is available from the show below.

Background on the potential matchup

The idea of Jones vs Ngannou has been discussed for years. In January 2023 the two were close to finalizing a fight, but the bout never happened after Ngannou left the UFC and was stripped of his title.

Jon Jones retired in June 2025, months after beating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. He later came out of retirement with plans to fight at UFC Freedom 250, the White House event scheduled for June 14. When he was denied a spot on that card, Jones asked for his immediate release from the UFC and remains in talks with the promotion over his future.

Where each fighter is now

Francis Ngannou moved on from the UFC to the PFL. His contract there allowed him to take professional boxing matches. He lost to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in two boxing bouts. Ngannou left the PFL in March of this year.

Ngannou is scheduled to fight Philipe Lins in a five-round co-main event on May 16 in Inglewood, California. That fight will be on the card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. Ngannou has publicly urged Jones to get his UFC release, saying the two could meet outside the promotion if Jones becomes free.

Recent results

Here are the most relevant recent results and status notes for the fighters discussed.

The matchup debate will continue as Jones and Ngannou sort out their next moves. For now, Du Plessis clearly sees Jones as the heavy favorite.