Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has publicly sided with Jon Jones following the latest pay dispute involving the UFC, drawing parallels between their respective struggles with the promotion. Earlier this week, Jon Jones used social media to challenge comments made by Dana White regarding his absence from the highly anticipated “Freedom 250” event, reportedly scheduled at the White House on June 14.
Jon Jones’ Latest Disagreement with the UFC
UFC President Dana White had publicly questioned why Jones wasn’t involved and implied the former champion was no longer actively negotiating or prepared to compete. In response, Jones stated that he and his team had been in serious discussions with the promotion for the event but felt undervalued (“lowballed”) even after reducing his initial financial demands. He then escalated the situation by publicly requesting release from his UFC contract, asserting that if the company truly believed his career was over, they should grant his release without “more spins, no more games.”
Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans.
Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for…— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) March 9, 2026
Francis Ngannou’s Message and Shared Experience
Ngannou, who departed the UFC as heavyweight champion in early 2023 following his own contentious negotiations over compensation and control, has been closely following Jones’ situation. Since his departure, Ngannou has headlined major crossover boxing events and secured a lucrative contract with the PFL, which permits him to pursue boxing while also competing in MMA. He is next set to compete on Netflix. At the time of his exit, Ngannou cited respect, long-term financial security, and the freedom to pursue boxing on his own terms as key reasons for relinquishing his UFC belt.
Now, with Jones once again in a public confrontation with White, Ngannou has taken to social media to express his solidarity. On X (formerly Twitter), 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.”
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. https://t.co/K0WdvlURUs
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 10, 2026
This statement reignited the ongoing discussion about whether Jones should receive guarantees exceeding eight figures for high-profile heavyweight matchups, a figure previously mentioned in negotiations for potential fights against Ngannou and, more recently, Tom Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall, Eddie Hearn, and the $30 Million Figure
Current UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has also weighed in on the discussion surrounding Jones’ market value. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall revealed that the UFC had previously proposed approximately $30 million to Jones for a heavyweight title bout against him, an offer Jones initially accepted before the fight ultimately fell through. Aspinall expressed his astonishment that Jones isn’t receiving what he considers appropriate financial recognition, given his extensive record of championship victories and years as a pay-per-view headliner.
Aspinall himself has a complex relationship with the promotion regarding pay and acknowledgment. Recently, he confirmed his signing with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, potentially opening doors for future crossover opportunities and strengthening his leverage in future discussions with the UFC. While still under UFC contract, Aspinall has been vocal about seeking a better deal and has used his platform to champion Jones’ right to negotiate firmly with the company.
A Battle for Leverage
Collectively, Jones’ demand for release, Ngannou’s public endorsement, and Aspinall’s comments underscore a significant struggle for leverage among the sport’s elite fighters within MMA. Ngannou has already demonstrated that a champion can successfully exit the UFC, secure lucrative boxing paydays, and sign an MMA agreement offering greater autonomy. Jones is now testing the limits of his own star power while bound by a long-term UFC contract. Meanwhile, Aspinall finds himself positioned between these forces as the reigning interim heavyweight champion, publicly supporting Jones while also exploring external partnerships that could bolster his own negotiating stance in the coming months.