As the new year approaches, the buzz around a potential Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones unification heavyweight title bout is growing, with fans eagerly anticipating this highly rumored fight. Both Aspinall and Jones recently fueled the speculation with social media posts, with ‘Bones’ confirming, “We’re in negotiations” earlier this week. Additionally, Tom Aspinall’s father, Andy Aspinall, further stirred the excitement by saying, “I think it will happen in Las Vegas,” adding more fuel to the fire.

However, another anticipated heavyweight clash is facing a twist, as rumors about a Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones fight have emerged. PFL CEO Peter Murray recently spoke to TalkSport MMA, offering a green light for the potential fight. When asked about the matchup, Murray said, “Yeah, I mean, we’re supportive of it. 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? Period.”

Two years ago, the Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight was billed as a dream matchup in MMA, but Jones’ injury and Ngannou’s departure from the UFC hit the nail in the coffin. Despite these setbacks, the excitement surrounding this potential showdown never faded. Now, with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), spearheaded by Turki Al-Sheikh, collaborating with both the UFC and PFL, the fight appears closer to reality than ever. Adding to the speculation, Francis Ngannou has recently stoked fan excitement, reigniting hopes for what could become a monumental moment in heavyweight MMA history.

Francis Ngannou keeps hope alive for a cross-promotional clash with Jon Jones

The PFL has consistently shown a wave of willingness to collaborate with UFC president Dana White on cross-promotion bouts. Earlier this year, the PFL’s founder, Donn Davis extended an $8 million offer for a cross-promotional fight. However, Dana White turned down the proposal, sharply criticizing both the PFL and its founder. He remarked, “It can’t be fun to be one of their investors. It can’t be fun,” as he aimed at their approach to handling competitors.

But with new financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, led by Turki Al-Sheikh, the influx of money could change the game. This includes the once-thought-impossible heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Saudi Arabia’s involvement, particularly seen at UFC 306’s Riyadh Season Noche event, has led the UFC head honcho to soften his stance on the fight, now stating, “We will see what the future holds.”

Francis Ngannou, who has recently expressed hope for the potential cross-promotion fight, fueled rumors further when Ariel Helwani pressed him in an interview about a fight with Jon Jones. Ngannou responded, “There’s a chance [we could fight]. I can’t tell on the level of one to ten, but I know there’s a chance. Basically, I know that fight also interests Turki, and not many things interest him.”

Now, with his bold confirmation, PFL CEO Peter Murray has placed the ball firmly in Dana White’s court. The question remains: will he respond? As a fan, which heavyweight showdown excites you more—Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou or Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou? Share your thoughts below.