Francis Ngannou sends $30m fight offer that'll send shockwaves across MMA world
Francis Ngannou has issued a message to Jon Jones after the UFC legend asked for his release from the promotion following Dana White's comments.
At UFC 326, the White House card was officially unveiled as a six-fight card was confirmed.
Jones was in talks with the UFC over headlining the momentous event, but Dana White snubbed him before insisting he was never in the frame to compete on the event celebrating Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the United States' 250th founding.
The ex-UFC champion addressed White's comments with a lengthy social media post, where he requested his UFC release.
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Ngannou, who is making his MMA return after signing with Jake Paul's promotion, waded in on Jones's situation, having left the UFC in unceremonious fashion in 2023.
He said the story was 'very interesting' and told him he deserves the $30 million he supposedly demanded during discussions.
Quote-posting Jones' message to White on X, Ngannou 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."
Why didn't Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones fight in the UFC?
Ngannou vs. Jones is one of many UFC super-fights that never materialised.
Both fighters expressed an interest in facing each other, but failed contract negotiations and money disputes prevented it from happening.
Ngannou wanted to be compensated for the fight, with White refusing to bow down to his contract demands.
'The Predator' left the MMA leaders as the promotion's champion as Jones went onto claim the vacant UFC heavyweight title when he made his return.
'Bones' submitted Ciryl Gane in just two minutes and four seconds into the first round to claim the belt.
If White obliges and cuts Jones from his UFC deal, then MMA fans may finally see the two heavyweight stars go at it.
However, given Jones' star power, it would be extremely unlikely that the UFC cut him from his existing deal.
Topics: Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones, UFC
Nasir Jabbar