Francis Ngannou has voiced support for Jon Jones amid the former UFC champion’s dispute with the promotion, saying Jones “deserve[s] that $30M+ after everything” he has done for the sport.
Jones is seeking a release from his UFC contract after chief executive Dana White said negotiations over a potential bout on the planned Freedom 250 White House card were not genuine and criticised the fighter’s physical condition. The comments drew a response from Jones, who is attempting to leave the promotion despite having multiple fights remaining on his deal.
Ngannou, who previously left the UFC after a contract dispute with the organisation, addressed the situation on social media. “Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting,” Ngannou wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I have lots to say, but for now, Jonny boy, if you manage to get your freedom, then let me know. You deserve that $30M+ after everything you’ve done for the sport, and they should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you.”
The former UFC heavyweight champion also discussed the issue during a press conference promoting his upcoming bout against Philipe Lins on the undercard of the Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano event on 16 May. “You know, I think three or four years ago, I was saying this out loud,” Ngannou told reporters, including The Mac Life. “And I was saying this not only to Jon Jones but to everyone that was out there. I was probably in the same situation because I think most of them are in the same situation. We are not an employee, we are independent contractors, and we should be able to get what we deserve.”
Ngannou said fighters should be free to pursue other opportunities if they believe they are not being compensated fairly. “And if we don’t get it, we should be able to have a right to walk away and go look at other options,” he said. “The thing now is that there are always contracts tying people up and they can’t get free. You wanna get set free and then they muscle you up and lowball you. I’m happy I’m out of that. That’s all I can say.”
