Francis Ngannou recently spoke out about the failed negotiations for the mega fight with Jon Jones, claiming that Dana White’s version of events is not entirely accurate. Ngannou, who is now signed with the PFL after leaving the UFC, refuted White’s recent claims, stating that he was the one pushing for the fight with Jones. According to Ngannou, he was eager to face Jones, but the UFC was hesitant to make the fight happen, citing various reasons why it couldn’t come to fruition. Ngannou’s recollection paints a very different picture from White’s narrative, accusing the UFC CEO of changing the story to suit his own interests.
In the past, Dana White had placed the blame on Jon Jones for the fight not materializing, questioning Jones’ commitment and ridiculing his demands for a high fight purse. However, White’s recent statements suggest a shift in the narrative, with him now claiming that it was not Jones who prevented the fight from happening. White mentioned that every effort was made to set up the Ngannou vs. Jones fight, implying that external factors may have been the reason for its failure. This change in White’s story raises questions about the true reasons behind the failed negotiations.
Following his departure from the UFC in January 2023, Ngannou is set to have his first MMA fight outside of the promotion against Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou left the UFC as the heavyweight champion, fulfilling his contract with the promotion before becoming a free agent. Ngannou expressed his desire to re-sign with the UFC to face Jon Jones, but certain conditions were not met in his new contract negotiations, leading to his decision to leave the organization. Ngannou’s insistence on transparency and fairness in his dealings with the UFC sheds light on the complexities of fighter contracts and negotiations in the MMA world.
The conflicting narratives surrounding the failed negotiations between Ngannou and Jones highlight the need for open and honest communication in the MMA industry. Fighters, promoters, and fans alike rely on accurate information to understand the dynamics of fight negotiations and match-ups. The diverging accounts from Ngannou and White underscore the challenges of navigating the business side of the sport while maintaining integrity and transparency. Moving forward, clarity and honesty in communication will be key to avoiding misunderstandings and disputes in the world of MMA.