Could former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou (18-3) make a shocking return to the promotion in 2026?
It’s been nearly four years since Ngannou last fought in the UFC. In his only defense of the UFC heavyweight title, Ngannou defeated Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision at UFC 270 in January 2022. After he couldn’t reach an agreement with the UFC on a new contract, Ngannou signed a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League in 2023.
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However, “The Predator” recently revealed that his PFL contract is nearing its end “soon.” If Dana White ended his blood feud with the former champion and actually brought him back, we look at six opponent options, including Jon Jones.
Derrick Lewis
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“The Black Beast” has scored back-to-back TKO victories in his last two fights. Derrick Lewis currently holds the record for most finishes in the heavyweight division and most knockout wins in UFC history (16). Although Lewis is soon to turn 41, he remains a dangerous opponent behind his brutal power. Lewis previously defeated Ngannou by unanimous decision at UFC 226 in July 2018.
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta
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The native of Phoenix, Arizona, has won two consecutive fights by first-round knockout, each earning the Performance of the Night bonus. After Waldo Cortes-Acosta made his UFC debut in 2022, he has compiled an 8-2 record. “Salsa Boy” is currently ranked No. 5 at heavyweight.
Jailton Almeida
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“Malhadinho” hit a setback in his last outing, as he took a split decision loss against Alexander Volkov in October. Although with 13 submissions, along with eight knockouts, all except one of Jailton Almedia’s 22 wins have come by way of stoppage. The native of Brazil is one of the most exciting competitors at heavyweight.
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Alexander Volkov
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The Russian native has three wins in his last four fights. Most recently, a split decision win against the dangerous Jailton Almedia in October. As Alexander Volkov is currently ranked No. 2 at heavyweight, he may not be far from a title shot. If Ngannou aims to get into the title picture, Volkov can be a suitable opponent.
Ciryl Gane
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“Bon Gamin” challenged undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 in October. However, the championship fight ended in a no-contest following an accidental eye poke in the first round. UFC President Dana White aimed to book a rematch, but both of Aspinall’s eyes are still severely injured. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the division.
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Jon Jones
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The former UFC heavyweight champion hasn’t competed in over a year. Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic by third-round TKO at UFC 309 in November 2024. It was his first and only defense of the UFC heavyweight title. “Bones” would love to compete at the UFC White House event, set for June 2026. However, it seems certain that White won’t include Jones on the card. In a potential UFC return, Ngannou seems to have his sights set on one opponent only: Jones.
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