Jake Paul wants the UFC to release Jon Jones so a superfight with Francis Ngannou can happen at MVP MMA.
Following the recent departure of Shakur Stevenson from Zuffa Boxing, YouTuber turned promoter Jake Paul has publicly asked the Ultimate Fighting Championship to grant Jon Jones his unconditional release from his current promotional contract, according to information published by mmamania.
The high-profile request comes as Jon Jones remains in career limbo after the promotion denied his proposed matchups against Alex Pereira and a potential event at the White House, leaving the MMA heavyweight champion effectively retired from active competition.
By pushing for the release, Paul hopes to book a massive combat sports spectacle matching Jones against Francis Ngannou under the banner of his own promotional company, MVP MMA, prompting significant attention across the digital sports landscape.
Jake Paul targets UFC for Jon Jones release
Jake Paul took to social media platform X to voice his demands, asking whether the promotion would grant Jones the same contractual freedom recently given to boxer Shakur Stevenson, allowing the combat sports world to finally witness the dream matchup against Francis Ngannou.
The MVP head Nakisa Bidarian previously noted the massive enterprise value in paying fighters fifty percent of total revenue, contrasting sharply with standard promotional practices, while Jon Jones quickly amplified Paul's public request by retweeting the message to his millions of followers.
Francis Ngannou reacts to contractual freedom
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou quickly responded to the viral social media post, tamping down fan expectations by stating that freedom is never given freely, but must instead be taken through persistent legal and contractual battles.
Francis Ngannou famously spent years dealing with promotional hurdles before a sunset clause allowed him to leave the organization after five years, resulting in ongoing friction with UFC CEO Dana White ever since his departure.
The reality of escaping a UFC contract
Industry analysts point out that securing a release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship takes far more than a simple social media post, and public pressure from figures like Jake Paul might actually cause the promotion to hold onto the heavyweight star even tighter.
If Jon Jones genuinely wishes to exit his promotional agreement, legal representation and a lengthy waiting period will likely be required, mirroring the difficult path previously walked by other fighters seeking true independent agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jake Paul ask the UFC to release Jon Jones?
Jake Paul asked the UFC to release Jon Jones so he can promote a superfight against Francis Ngannou under his MVP MMA banner.
How did Francis Ngannou respond to Jake Paul?
Francis Ngannou tamped down expectations by replying that freedom is not given, but rather taken after years of contractual battles.
What did Shakur Stevenson have to do with the situation?
Shakur Stevenson recently asked for and received his release from Zuffa Boxing, inspiring Jake Paul to ask for the same treatment for Jon Jones.
Can Jon Jones easily leave his UFC contract?
No, escaping a UFC contract typically requires legal assistance and a lengthy waiting period, as the promotion rarely grants simple releases.
