The "Predator" Unchained: Ngannou Slams UFC's Treatment of Jon Jones, Labels Exit "Best Décision"

In a wide-ranging interview on the debut week of Uncrowned, Yahoo Sports’ new combat sports vertical, Francis Ngannou once again proved why he remains the most disruptive force in mixed martial arts. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, "The Predator" took aim at his former employer, defended his long-time rival Jon Jones, and fired back at critics who suggested he should have never left the UFC.

The interview comes at a volatile time for the heavyweight landscape. While Ngannou is preparing for his May 16 debut on Netflix against Philipe Lins, Jon Jones is currently embroiled in a public war of words with UFC CEO Dana White, recently going as far as to request his release from the promotion after being omitted from the upcoming "UFC White House" card.

Standing Up for "Bones"

Despite years of a looming superfight that never materialized, Ngannou offered an unexpected defense of Jon Jones.Addressing the reports that the UFC "lowballed" Jones during negotiations for the June 14 event, Ngannou called out what he perceives as corporate hypocrisy.

"Aren’t they out there bragging he’s the GOAT? I’m worried if the GOAT is being treated like that. Truly worried," Ngannou told Helwani. "I’ve been saying it for years. Don’t you see what they’re trying to do?"

Ngannou suggested that the UFC’s public narrative labeling Jones as retired or physically unable to fight due to hip arthritis is a tactic to devalue the champion during contract disputes. "If you are the best, you deserve the red carpet. Not these games," Ngannou added.

"The Best Decision of My Life"

For two years, a vocal segment of the MMA community has argued that Ngannou’s career stalled after leaving the UFC, pointing to his recent departure from the PFL and his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in boxing. Ngannou, however, was adamant that his "freedom" is his greatest victory.

"It’s the best decision of my life," Ngannou stated firmly. "It’s part of a legacy because I’ve done something that nobody has done before. Nobody could have reached the position I’m in right now before. I opened that door, and I did it my own way."

Ngannou pointed to the financial and cultural impact of his career trajectory as proof of success:

• The Boxing Paydays: Earning tens of millions to face Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

• Netflix Pioneer: Headlining the first-ever live MMA broadcast on Netflix, a co-main event on the massive Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card.


• The Blueprint: Showing other fighters that there is a lucrative life outside the "UFC machine."

A Freedom Fight on the Horizon?

With Ngannou now a free agent following his split from the PFL and Jones asking for his UFC release, the "impossible" fight between the two heavyweights is suddenly back in the headlines.

While Ngannou is focused on Philipe Lins in May, he didn't close the door on a cross-promotional blockbuster with Jones. "I am the first to open the MMA door on Netflix," Ngannou said. "If somebody else wants to walk through that door with me, they know where to find me."

For now, Ngannou seems content as the "uncrowned" king, watching from the sidelines as the promotion he left struggles to manage the very champion they brought in to replace him.

Esther Otto