Jon Jones has addressed comments made by Francis Ngannou concerning the UFC’s alleged “lowball” offer and Jones’s exclusion from a key event.
The former two-division UFC champion, Jon Jones, finds himself in continued disagreement with UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion’s leadership after being omitted from the highly anticipated White House card.
Jones, who initially announced his retirement from MMA last summer before reversing course upon learning about the White House event, publicly sought his release following recent statements from White. When White asserted that Jones was “never an option” to headline UFC Freedom 250, Jones fired back, claiming he was actively negotiating with the UFC before being presented with an inadequate offer.
In a recent social media update, Jones revealed he was offered $15 million to face Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250, considerably less than his target of around $30 million.
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion who also has a contentious past with White and the organization, voiced his support for Jones amidst this latest payment disagreement.
Ngannou and Jones Unite in Criticizing UFC’s Handling of White House Event Roster
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou shared his perspective on the ongoing dispute between Jones, White, and the UFC hierarchy.
“Certainly, Jon Jones is deserving of better treatment,” Ngannou stated.
“How long has Jon Jones been affiliated with this organization? He’s been a champion since he was 23 years old – that’s roughly 15 years, perhaps even more. If anyone today merits recognition, even a mere tribute, it’s Jon Jones. His compensation should reflect not just individual fights, but his profound contributions to the sport and its growth.
“They constantly boast about him being the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), right? If the GOAT isn’t afforded respect, then who truly merits it?” Ngannou continued regarding Jones. “It concerns me deeply if the GOAT is subjected to such treatment. I genuinely worry that if this is how they handle their greatest fighter, then those who aren’t the GOAT… I can only imagine what difficulties they must endure.”
Following these remarks, Jones acknowledged Ngannou’s comments regarding his pay dispute with the UFC in an Instagram story.
“I appreciate you advocating for me, Francis,” Jones posted.
A potential UFC heavyweight clash between Jones and Ngannou was speculated as early as 2021, after Ngannou captured the UFC heavyweight title by defeating Stipe Miocic. However, the fighters and the promotion failed to reach an agreement, leading to Ngannou’s departure from the UFC in 2023.
