Francis Ngannou reveals how much money he would have made from the Jon Jones fight

Francis Ngannou is no longer on the UFC roster after the former heavyweight champion and the promotion failed to reach terms on a new contract. The mixed martial arts free agent revealed the amount of money he was set to make if he fought Jon Jones for the heavyweight title.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani in an appearance on The MMA Hour, Ngannou was asked about UFC President Dana White's claim that he was offered a contract that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight of all time. 'The Predator' stated:

"I don't know, since I don't know what other heavyweights make. In order to know that, I have to know what the other heavyweights made as their salary, but I don't know."

After Helwani pointed out that he heard Brock Lesnar was paid $8 million for UFC 200, Ngannou responded:

"For the Jon Jones fight? Around that."

Ngannou shared that despite the significant increase in pay that he was offered, he was unable to accept the deal due to principles. Instead, Jon Jones will face Ciryl Gane for the recently vacated heavyweight title at UFC 285.

It remains unclear what Ngannou's next move will be, however, it appears that he could venture into boxing. While the $8 million payday may have been hard to turn down, he will likely make more if he does indeed face a top-tier heavyweight boxer.

Watch Francis Ngannou discuss the UFC 285 payday that he turned down below:

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Francis Ngannou discusses the reason behind his UFC departure

During his appearance on The MMA Hour, Francis Ngannou disputed UFC President Dana White's claim that his departure was financially driven. Instead, the former heavyweight champion suggested that the real reason he is no longer with the promotion was due to their refusal to meet any of his contract demands.

He shared that he requested the right to sign sponsorship deals, health insurance for fighters, and an advocate to represent fighters in board meetings. Ngannou noted that the UFC did not even consider any of his requests, stating:

"No, they said no, they don't do business like that. They said, yes, I can pay my health insurance and all that. I'm like, yes, I can pay my health insurance. At this point, health insurance for me is not a problem, but how about those guys at the bottom making 10 plus 10. They can't really afford that health insurance, and I have been there so it's something that I still carry in my heart."

While Ngannou's attempt to bat for fighters that are making less money is honorable, it is unlikely that his departure will create a major change in the promotion. That likely won't happen unless other key fighters begin to take the same stance.

Watch Francis Ngannou discuss his UFC departure below: