Francis Ngannou Backs Jon Jones after UFC Talks Collapse: “They should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you.”
Francis Ngannou has thrown his weight behind Jon Jones as the UFC’s latest pay dispute spills into public view, linking two heavyweight sagas that have reshaped the top end of the sport. Earlier this week, Jon Jones took to social media to challenge Dana White’s comments about him being left off the UFC’s high‑profile “Freedom 250” card scheduled at the White House on June 14.
Jon Jones’ latest split with the UFC
White had publicly questioned Jones’ absence and suggested the former champion was no longer in active negotiations or ready to compete. In response, Jones said he and his team had been in real talks with the promotion for that event but felt he was “lowballed” after reducing his original asking price. He then escalated matters by publicly asking to be released from his UFC contract, saying that if the company truly believed he was done, they should let him go with “no more spins, no more games.”
Francis Ngannou’s message and shared history
Ngannou, who left the UFC as heavyweight champion in early 2023 after his own standoff over money and control, has watched the story with interest. Since parting ways with the promotion, he has headlined crossover boxing events and signed a lucrative deal with the PFL that allows him to box while also competing in MMA. Next, he will compete on Netflix. At the time of his exit, Ngannou said respect, long‑term security, and the ability to pursue boxing on his own terms were central to his decision to walk away from the UFC belt.
Now, with Jones publicly clashing with White again, Ngannou has stepped in on social media to signal support. On X, he wrote: “Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting. 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.”
This comment echoed the long‑running debate over whether Jones should receive eight‑figure guarantees for marquee heavyweight fights, something that has been floated in past negotiations and reports involving potential matchups with Ngannou and, more recently, Tom Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall, Eddie Hearn and the $30 million figure
Current UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has added his voice to the growing chorus around Jones’ value. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall revealed that the UFC had previously offered Jones around $30 million to face him in a heavyweight title fight, a deal Jones initially accepted before the matchup fell apart. Aspinall said he finds it “crazy” that Jones is not getting what he sees as appropriate financial respect given the American’s long list of championship wins and years as a pay‑per‑view headliner.
Aspinall has his own complicated relationship with the promotion over pay and recognition. In recent days he confirmed that he has signed with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, opening the door for future crossover opportunities and potentially giving him more leverage in talks with the UFC. While still under UFC contract, Aspinall has been open about wanting a better deal and has used his platform to defend Jones’ right to negotiate hard with the company.
A fight over leverage
Taken together, Jones’ release request, Ngannou’s public backing and Aspinall’s comments highlight a fight over leverage at the top of MMA. Ngannou has already shown that a champion can walk away from the UFC, secure high‑profile boxing paydays and sign an MMA deal that offers more freedom. Jones is now testing how far his own star power can stretch inside a long‑standing UFC contract. Aspinall, meanwhile, sits in the middle as the reigning heavyweight champion, publicly backing Jones while exploring outside partnerships that could shift his own negotiating position in the months ahead.
