TLDR
- Jon Jones thanked Francis Ngannou on Instagram after Ngannou defended him in a pay dispute with UFC over a White House card fight
- Jones claimed UFC wouldn’t offer more than $15 million for a potential fight against Alex Pereira at the June 14 event
- Ngannou called Jones the GOAT and questioned why UFC doesn’t respect its biggest star with better pay for his 15-year legacy
- UFC CEO Dana White denied Jones was ever planned for the White House card, contradicting Jones’ version of events
- Alex Pereira will now fight Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title at the White House event instead
Sources: Yardbarker | UFC Coverage | MMA Junkie | Bloody Elbow
Jon Jones publicly thanked Francis Ngannou after the former UFC heavyweight champion defended him in an ongoing pay dispute with the promotion. Jones shared a video of Ngannou’s comments on his Instagram story with the message, “I appreciate you advocating for me, Francis.”
The exchange came after Jones revealed the UFC would not offer more than $15 million for a potential fight at the White House card scheduled for June 14. Jones claimed he wanted to fight Alex Pereira at the event but negotiations fell through over money.
Ngannou appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and strongly backed Jones’ position. He questioned how the UFC treats its top fighter.
“Of course, Jon Jones deserves that,” Ngannou said. “What are you talking about? Jon Jones been in this organization for how long? Since he was 23, I think. Which is 15 years or over 15 years?”
Ngannou argued that Jones deserves higher pay not just for one fight but for his entire legacy in the sport. He pointed out that Jones has been a champion for over 15 years.
Francis Ngannou reacts to the UFC not paying Jon Jones more than $15M to fight at the White House:
“If the GOAT is not respected, then who should be respected? I’m truly worried if that’s how they treat the GOAT.
Then those who aren’t the GOAT, imagine what they’re going… pic.twitter.com/szacdQ1xKg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 24, 2026
Ngannou Questions UFC’s Respect for Jones
“If there’s somebody that deserves something nowadays, like just even to pay him tribute, it’s Jon Jones,” Ngannou said. “Jon Jones needs to get paid, maybe not only for the fight but for what he has done for the sport.”
Ngannou went further by questioning the UFC’s treatment of Jones given his status. “Isn’t Jon Jones the GOAT they brag about? If the GOAT is not respected, then what should be respected?”
The former heavyweight champion added that if Jones isn’t shown respect, it raises concerns for all fighters. “If the GOAT is not respected, then who should be respected? I’m truly worried if that’s how they treat the GOAT.”
The support from Ngannou is surprising given the history between the two fighters. A bout between Jones and Ngannou was once considered one of the biggest potential matchups in UFC history but never happened due to contract issues.
Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 after his own contract dispute with the promotion. He defended his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in January 2022 but could not agree on a new contract afterward.
Dana White Denies Jones Was Ever Planned for White House Card
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly denied Jones’ version of events. White stated at the UFC London post-fight press conference that Jones was never part of the White House card plans.
“How many f—— times I gotta say this?” White said. “He was never fighting on the White House card. There was no way in hell I was putting him on that card, no matter what the money was.”
Jones has told a different story on social media. He stated he was prepared to compete and willing to accept less money than he had previously requested.
Alex Pereira is now scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title at the June 14 White House event. Jones has argued he should be released from his contract if the promotion is not interested in his services.
Ngannou mentioned that other top fighters have raised pay concerns including Ronda Rousey, Conor McGregor, and Sean O’Malley. He also referenced Zuffa Boxing’s reported $15 million one-fight deal with Conor Benn as part of the larger pay debate.
Ngannou is scheduled to face Philipe Lins at an MMA MVP card on May 16. He noted he no longer faces the same pay issues since leaving the UFC.
