UFC Champion Jon Jones Sends Strong Message to Ariel Helwani Following Francis Ngannou Interview

Jones and Helwani have a verbal exchange.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones isn't fond of MMA journalist Ariel Helwani over a recent interview.

Helwani had Francis Ngannou on "The MMA Hour" following his split decision loss to Tyson Fury in their boxing match. During the episode, Helwani name-dropped the naysayers of Ngannou's decision to leave the UFC. In particular, the journalist mentioned UFC CEO Dana White and Jones.

READ MORE: BRENDAN SCHAUB THINKS UFC SHOULD STRIP JON JONES OF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

"Bones" caught wind of his name being mentioned in the interview, and he wasn't thrilled with Helwani's delivery. He had the following message to share with the MMA personality on social media:

👀 pic.twitter.com/cYIPtSmyCk

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 31, 2023

"And Jon Jones says you were looking what? You're such a backstabbing s*** talker bro, and you wonder why I haven't given you an interview in years @arielhelwani," Jones wrote.

Ariel Helwani responded to Jones by bringing up a quote of his from RMC Sport.

"Francis had the opportunity to face me and he opted out of the opportunity," Jones said earlier this year. "If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be a guy to dethrone me. He didn’t believe in himself. Francis didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself."

Helwani then apologized to Jones for not finishing what he was going to say when he mentioned the UFC heavyweight king during the interview.

"Sorry, I didn't finish my thought there," Helwani replied. "That's my bad. But that's what I was referencing. Hope you make a speedy recovery, Jon."

READ MORE: FRANCIS NGANNOU TEASES MMA FIGHT WITH BOXING STAR DEONTAY WILDER

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