One thing that never really gets brought up here is how would Francis deal with the UFC if he signed with them. Assuming he would fight Jones and then they let him box.
Francis is someone who pretty much looks out for his own best interest and wants those mega pay days, and rightfully so, why not. But we've seen how he handled PFL, he was supposed to fight for them early 2024 now it's another boxing fight and then likely again end of the year in boxing. He had all this stuff planned with PFL in fights and being a ambassador in developing the sport, and we've seen none of that.
If he resigned with the UFC and fought Jones and then Fury, who's to say he wouldn't come back at the UFC and demand more money. Or sit out longer demanded another boxing fight or just not fight in general. We know Francis isn't the easiest to deal with in negotiations and will sit out if he doens't get what he wants.
I think too many people are taking that UFC deal at face value thinking Francis would just follow through. I think there would be far more complications and renogiations and it would cause problems. I think the UFC learned from Conor and letting him box. And Conor is a massive draw, Francis is not. I think the UFC doged a bullet here.