Francis Ngannou says Jon Jones deserves respect and better pay after Jones and the UFC clashed over a spot on the June White House card and reported money offers.
Jones, the White House card and the money row
Jon Jones and UFC CEO Dana White have traded public messages about whether Jones was ever negotiated for the June White House card. White has said he did not expect Jones to be on that card. Jones tweeted he wanted to fight Alex Pereira at the event but said the UFC did not offer more than $15 million for the bout.
The White House card is set for June 14. Alex Pereira is now scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title, a matchup that has been linked to the historic June 14 show. Jones, a two-division title winner, has argued he should be released if the promotion is not interested in his services.
Ngannou stands with Jones
On The Ariel Helwani Show, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou defended Jones’ pay demands. Ngannou said Jones has earned respect for what he has done for the sport and should be paid for more than one fight.
Ngannou said, “Jon Jones deserves that. 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.”
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Francis Ngannou | Defended heavyweight title vs. Ciryl Gane (January 2022) |
Ngannou’s own fight with the UFC and wider pay debate
Ngannou knows the trouble of tough negotiations with the UFC. After he defended his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, he and the UFC could not agree on a new contract. That dispute kept Ngannou off the roster until he became a free agent about 12 months later. He said critics follow a story without seeing the full situation.
“If having peace and peace of mind and being in the best position that you ever think of is a mistake, well then I love mistakes,” Ngannou said. He added that if Jones is not shown respect, that is worrying for fighters who are not seen as the GOAT.
Other fighters and the larger issue
Ngannou pointed out that other stars have raised pay concerns. Ronda Rousey, who headlines the May 16 MMA MVP card where Ngannou will face Philipe Lins, has criticized the UFC publicly ahead of her comeback. Conor McGregor and Sean O’Malley have also asked questions about pay. The Zuffa Boxing signing of Conor Benn on a reported one-fight $15 million deal added fuel to the debate.
Ngannou said fighters who feel underpaid have the right to be upset. He said people do not have to always celebrate another person’s payday, especially when they are struggling financially or taking fights hurt. Ngannou also noted he no longer has that problem since leaving the UFC.
The argument between Jones and the UFC adds to growing public discussion about how top fighters are paid and treated. Ngannou’s public support shows the debate is not limited to one fighter or one event.
