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It is a common frustration for fans, but the reason these three have never fought is a combination of failed contract negotiations, promotional departures, and different weight-class timelines rather than a coordinated “stunt.”
1. Why Jones vs. Ngannou Never Happened
This is widely considered the biggest missed opportunity in MMA history.
- Timing Mismatch: When Francis Ngannou was active and defending his title (2021–2022), Jon Jones was on a three-year hiatus preparing his body for the move to heavyweight.
- Contract & Pay Disputes: Jones publicly requested a significant pay raise to face Ngannou, which the UFC initially rejected. Later, when the UFC was ready to make the fight, Ngannou could not reach an agreement on a new contract. He sought “freedom” (the right to box, health insurance for fighters, and independent sponsorships), which the UFC denied.
- The Departure: Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 as the reigning champion. Jones returned two months later to win the vacant title against Ciryl Gane, meaning they are now in different promotions (UFC vs. PFL), making a fight nearly impossible.
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2. Why Jones vs. Pereira Hasn’t Happened (Yet)
This “superfight” has been heavily discussed throughout 2025 and early 2026, but several hurdles remain:
- Weight Class History: Until recently, Pereira was focused on defending his Light Heavyweight title. He only officially vacated it in March 2026 to move to Heavyweight permanently.
- Negotiation Issues: Reports in early March 2026 suggested the UFC and Jon Jones could not reach a financial agreement for a “UFC White House” event, leading the UFC to book Pereira against Ciryl Gane for an interim title instead.
- Jones’s Priorities: Jones has been adamant about fighting Stipe Miocic or potentially retiring, often brushing off newer challengers like Pereira or Tom Aspinall.
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3. Why Pereira vs. Ngannou is Unlikely
- Promotional Rivalry: Because Ngannou is with the PFL and Pereira is signed to a “lifetime” eight-fight deal with the UFC, they cannot fight unless one promotion allows a “cross-promotion” event.
- UFC Stance: UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly stated he has “zero interest” in co-promoting with the PFL, effectively killing any chance of this matchup while both are under contract.
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As of March 18, 2026, here are the latest updates on
massive new contract and
Jon Jones’s
current retirement status.
Alex Pereira’s New “Lifetime” Contract
Alex Pereira recently confirmed he has signed a new eight-fight deal with the UFC.
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heavy.com +1- Financial Terms: While exact figures weren’t disclosed, Pereira stated the deal “by far exceeded” his expectations for career earnings and that the UFC “took really good care” of him.
- Flexibility: Pereira described the contract as so favorable that he has given the UFC full control over his matchups, stating, “I left it open for them to do whatever they want”.
- Heavyweight Move: This contract coincides with his move to Heavyweight to pursue a historic third divisional title.
- Retirement Outlook: Now 38 years old, Pereira admitted this will “probably” be the final contract of his professional career.
Jon Jones’s Retirement and Dispute
Jon Jones’s status is currently a point of major contention between him and the UFC.
- Current Status: UFC CEO Dana White officially classifies Jones as retired as of March 2026. White has stated that Jones was “never, ever, ever” in consideration to headline the upcoming White House card due to health issues, including reported arthritis in his hips.
- Contract Release Request: Jones has publicly disputed White’s claims, asserting that he was in active negotiations and even received a low-ball offer for the White House event. He has since requested an immediate release from his UFC contract to “prove the opposite” of White’s retirement claims.
- Recent Career: Jones last fought at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he defeated Stipe Miocic via TKO. He briefly retired in June 2025 before attempting a comeback for the 2026 White House event that ultimately failed to materialize.
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Upcoming Major Event: UFC Freedom 250
Due to the breakdown in negotiations with Jones, the UFC has moved forward with a new Heavyweight centerpiece for its historic event at the White House on June 14, 2026.
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BBC +1| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje (Lightweight Unification) |
| Co-Main Event | Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane (Interim Heavyweight Title) |
| Location | South Lawn of the White House, Washington D.C. |
| Stakes | Pereira aims to become the first-ever three-division champion in UFC history. |
Summary of Missed Connections
| Potential Matchup | Primary Reason for Not Happening | Status as of March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Jones vs. Ngannou | Contract dispute & Ngannou’s UFC exit | Extremely Unlikely (Split Promotions) |
| Jones vs. Pereira | Financial negotiations & Jones’s focus on Miocic | Possible if
wins the Interim Belt |
| Ngannou vs. Pereira | Promotional “Cold War” (UFC vs. PFL) | Virtually Impossible |