Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones have not always seen eye-to-eye, but the pair seems to have reached mutual territory given each’s history with the UFC brass.
Jones decided that his time with the UFC was over last June, and the heavyweight champion relinquished his title, but this became only a brief retirement as he jumped back in when his interest was piqued by the announcement of the White House card, now known as ‘UFC Freedom 250’.
Earlier this month, the monumental card on June 14th was revealed, but Jones’ name did not appear. When Dana White was asked if Jones was ever in play for a slot on the card, the UFC CEO indicated he was never even considered. Jones immediately took to social media in a series of posts telling his side of the story, which apparently involved multiple negotiations and a ‘low-ball’ offer that ‘Bones’ was not interested in.
Ngannou, who also parted ways with the UFC while reigning as heavyweight champion, left the organization in 2023 over concerns of unfair treatment and the temptation of higher-paying opportunities outside the promotion.
In an interview this week, Ngannou defended the stance that Jones took during his negotiations for a fight at the White House, citing that the UFC should have met the former two-division champion’s requested price given all he has done for the company, and for the sport. Now, Jones has responded to Ngannou’s support, in a show of appreciation for the solidarity, saying, “I appreciate you advocating for me, Francis” in a recent Instagram story.
“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)