Dana White Reveals Francis Ngannou Rejected More Than Brock Lesnar’s $8M as Jon Jones Signs New 8-Fight Deal for Ciryl Gane UFC 285 Clash

After months of speculations, the UFC heavyweight title picture has finally taken shape. UFC president Dana White announced during the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference that a returning Jon Jones would face Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March. Incidentally, the heavyweight title will be up for grabs as the UFC has released current champion Francis Ngannou from his contract.

Furthermore, White also shed light on the failed contract negotiation between the UFC and Ngannou, while also mentioning a new deal they signed with Jon Jones.

The heavyweight title fight news is exciting, to say the least. However, it did not come out the way the UFC or White would have wanted. News of the title fight broke after the T-Mobile Arena mistakenly displayed the banner for the same and took it down shortly after.

Jon Jones in, Francis Ngannou out

According to White, the UFC offered Francis Ngannou a deal that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the history of the promotion. However, the now-former champion did not entertain the new deal either. White also revealed that they had been trying to land a deal with Ngannou for almost two years before they decided to move on.

‘The Predator’ is parting ways with his hunting grounds, with no contractual obligations tethering him there whatsoever. White revealed that the former champion is free to sign anywhere and that there is no matching period in play.

The UFC president also revealed his frustrations at the T-Mobile Arena botch. However, he had more promising news. As one of the most sought-after heavyweights is leaving the promotion, another MMA great is stepping in to take the mantle.

Dana White on Jones’ situation

According to Dana White, Jon Jones has signed a new 8-fight deal with the UFC ahead of his upcoming title fight. Therefore, the UFC could make up for Ngannou’s exit with Jones’ return. Although this takes away all hope of the highly anticipated Ngannou vs. Jones fight, it does give the fans something they have long been waiting for – Jon Jones’ return.

‘Bones’ announced his intentions to move up to heavyweight almost 10 years ago. Now, it is finally happening.

White also added that Jones was indeed ready to face anyone and that it was the UFC who wanted to make the Ngannou fight.

The heavyweight division just got a monumental shake-up. With the shocking but not-so-unexpected exit of Ngannou and the debut of Jones, things just got a lot more interesting.

Read More– “Scary” Jon Jones Physique Stuns UFC Fans

While there are those that are disappointed with Ngannou’s exit, the new developments could certainly make up for it. How do you view these decisions by the UFC? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story– Freedom or Legacy? Dana White offered a tough choice for Francis Ngannou