Jake Paul asks UFC to release Jon Jones

Promoter Jake Paul has asked the UFC to release Jon Jones so that he can face Francis Ngannou in a fight organized by Paul's company, MVP.

UFC releases boxer Shakur Stevenson

Zuffa Boxing, which is run by UFC president Dana White, recently released boxer Shakur Stevenson — a rare move, as the organization usually does not allow its fighters to leave.

Paul urges UFC to let Jones go

Paul posted on social media, asking if Jon Jones could request his release, like Stevenson did, to arrange a fight between Ngannou and Jones. He also said the UFC has already indicated they will no longer work with Ngannou and urged the UFC to let Jones go for the sake of fans.

Paul doesn’t specify fight type

Paul did not clarify whether the fight would be a boxing match or an MMA match. He addressed his message to both Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Dana White unlikely to approve release

It is considered highly unlikely that Dana White would approve of releasing Jon Jones, even if Paul’s organization offered a deal. White has typically refused to release fighters when they make such requests, especially for high-profile athletes.

Jones may want to fight Ngannou

While Jon Jones might be interested in leaving the UFC for a potentially lucrative fight against Ngannou — a matchup that has not happened in the UFC — the chances of him getting an official release from the organization are seen as practically nonexistent.