Massive news out of UFC on Saturday night.
Jon Jones is returning to the Octagon after an extended absence for a variety of troubles and issues.
Jones will fight for the heavyweight championship at UFC 285 on March 4 against Ciryl Gane in Las Vegas.
It doesn’t get bigger than this – UFC President @DanaWhite confirms that @JonnyBones will take on @Ciryl_Gane for the 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐃 heavyweight championship at #UFC285 🏆
[ March 4 | @TMobileArena | Tix On Sale Jan 20 at https://t.co/LJfHcNZo6J ] pic.twitter.com/oUpfPUMYXp— UFC (@ufc) January 15, 2023
That is just the start of a heavy dose of heavyweight news.
UFC President Dana White said Jones has signed an 8-fight deal.
The return of Jon Jones has been a long time coming 🙌 pic.twitter.com/vFTT4NEurm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 15, 2023
Always an honor to work with @JonnyBones, the greatest fighter in MMA history. Now it’s time for him to add to that legacy with his first UFC heavyweight title. Can’t wait for Jones v Gane! #UFC285 🦴🐐
More exclusive content coming soon to my YouTube!https://t.co/XAqzgQkzPx pic.twitter.com/h0lTNUnplm
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 15, 2023
As one fighter returns, another heavyweight exits.
Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) and UFC have parted ways after a contract dispute.
Dana White says the deal offered to Francis Ngannou would have made him the highest paid heavyweight in UFC history even compared to Brock Lesnar but he says Francis turned it down. #UFC
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) January 15, 2023
Dana White says Francis Ngannou has officially been released from all contractual obligations from the UFC. No matching period. Ngannou can sign anywhere else as of now. #UFC
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) January 15, 2023
Ngannou is stripped of his championship and released. White says they waived the exclusive negotiating window and no matching rights clause. Meaning, Ngannou is truly a free agent and can sign with whatever promotion he wants, as soon as possible.
