Francis Ngannou disapproves of Jon Jones changing stance on fighter pay debate 

Everyone knows by now that Jon Jones originally planned to make his heavyweight debut against former champion Francis Ngannou. Due to Jones' prolonged hiatus from the UFC following his last fight and Ngannou's subsequent departure from the UFC over contract disputes, the bout never materialized.

Soon after his victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, Jones was involved in a contract dispute with the UFC. To supervise his negotiations with the UFC, he hired Richard Schaefer, a seasoned boxing promoter, as a representative. Jones benefited from the decision, rising to the position of the second highest paid athlete in the UFC after Conor McGregor as he prepares to challenge Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship at UFC 285.

However, leading up to UFC 285, Jon Jones has softened his stance on the fighter pay dispute that continues to be a highly contentious topic. In an interview with ESPN MMA, 'Bones' stated that his time away from the sport was based on his efforts to leave no stone unturned in preparation for his heavyweight debut, rather than a pay dispute. He also claimed that "Ngannou didn't believe in himself" while touching upon the Cameroonian's UFC exit.

In contrast, Francis Ngannou made no bones about why he left the UFC, citing failed negotiations. Ngannou recently discussed Jones' about-face on the fighter compensation controversy in an interview with MMA Junkie. He stated:

"We all know that Jon Jones has multiple personalities. Sometimes it's even hard for him to figure out who he really is. I don't have nothing to do with that."

Ngannou added:

"For a long time [it felt like] Jones was standing up for himself.... [but] then he shifted. Even though we will always be potential opponents, I think in this fight [for fighter pay] we could've been on the same side instead of fighting against each other.... Which is exactly what the system wants."

Check out the full interview below:

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What did Jon Jones say about the super fight with Francis Ngannou not materializing?

The superfight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou excited the competitors involved, combat sports enthusiasts, and the UFC. Despite that, the fight never materialized owing to Ngannou's failed contract negotiations with the UFC which resulted in his exit from the organization.

According to UFC president Dana White, Ngannou declined a contract that would have made him the organization's highest-paid heavyweight fighter ever. Jones has been given the chance to prove himself against Ciryl Gane, but a bout with Ngannou was the one he was most looking forward to.

Reacting to Ngannou's exit in a recent interview with RAC Sport, Jones stated:

“I don’t think I deserve any criticism. I’m here. I’m here. Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself.”

Catch the full interview below: