Jon Jones reacted to Francis Ngannou’s remarks about the UFC Hall of Famer’s White House card snub.
Former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones remains at odds with UFC CEO Dana White and the promotional brass over his being left off the upcoming White House card.
Jones, who announced his MMA retirement last summer before pivoting upon learning about the upcoming White House event, publicly called for his release following White’s recent remarks. After White claimed that Jones was ‘never an option’ to headline UFC Freedom 250, Jones blasted White, claiming he was in active negotiations with the UFC before receiving a ‘lowball’ offer.
In a recent social media post, Jones claimed he was offered $15 million to fight Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250. He was targeting an offer in the $30 million range.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who has his own checkered history with White and the promotion, came to Jones’ defense after his recent pay dispute.
Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou team up to criticize UFC’s recent White House card snub
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou weighed in on Jones’ ongoing feud with White and the UFC brass.
“Of course, Jon Jones deserves that,” Ngannou said of Jones.
“Jon Jones has been with this organization for how long? Jon Jones has been the champion since he was 23, which is, what 15 years? Over 15 years? If there is somebody that deserves something nowadays, like just even to pay him tribute, it’s Jon Jones. Jon Jones needs to get paid maybe not only for the fight that he’s fighting, but for what he has done for the sport. For where he has taken the sport to.
“Aren’t they out there bragging that he’s the GOAT? Man, if the GOAT is not respected, then who should we respect?” Ngannou continued on Jones. “I worry if the GOAT is being treated like that. I truly worry if that’s how they treat the GOAT, then those who are not the GOAT, I don’t know, whatever they are, imagine what they are going through.” (h/t Yahoo! Sports)
In a recent Instagram story post, Jones acknowledged Ngannou’s remarks about his UFC pay dispute.
“I appreciate you advocating for me, Francis,” Jones said.
Jones and Ngannou were linked to a targeted UFC heavyweight fight as early as 2021, after Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title. However, the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a fight, and Ngannou parted ways with the UFC in 2023.
Could we see a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou MMA fight if Jones is released by the UFC? Let us know in the comments!
