Francis Ngannou defends Jon Jones and suggests the UFC is showing 'disrespect' towards athletes.

Francis Ngannou can face Jon Jones UFC White House. Photo: Press Release/Instagram/PFL

Francis Ngannou chose his side in the war of narratives involving Jon Jones And Dana White. Recently, the UFC president and the former champion presented differing versions regarding 'Bones' absence from the UFC Casa Branca card. While the executive claims that the fighter was never even considered for the special event, the athlete maintains that the financial aspect was the determining factor.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou expressed concern about how big names are treated in the organization. The Cameroonian questioned the lack of recognition even for athletes considered the best of all time and suggested that, if this is the scenario for historical figures, the situation may be even more delicate for fighters of lower status.

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“If the greatest of all time isn’t respected, then who should be respected? I’m really concerned if this is how they treat the greatest of all time. Then imagine what those who aren’t the greatest of all time are going through,” he said. Francis Ngannou.

Jon Jones claims he turned down $15 million to fight at the UFC White House.

Jones makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

PUBLICITY:

At the press conference after the UFC LondonDana White reiterated that Jon Jones He was never considered for the UFC Casa Branca card. The manager claimed that the athlete suffers from arthritis in his hip, a condition that would prevent him from competing, and stressed that, therefore, it would not be possible to rely on the American for the event.

Jones, for his part, was quick to speak out on social media and disputed the version presented by the UFC president. According to the former champion, there were negotiations for him to headline the card, and he even considered accepting less than US$30 million (approximately R$150 million), the amount he had previously asked to face [another fighter]. Tom aspinall.

However, the fighter stated that the offer of US$15 million (approximately R$75 million) made to UFC Casa Branca was considered too low, which is why he decided not to accept the fight.