It appears that Jon Jones is making some bold career decisions.
The current reigning light heavyweight champion has been pushing for a bout at heavyweight. His first foray into the heavyweight division would be a bout with knockout artist Francis Ngannou. That is, if Jon Jones had his way. But it appears that Dana White and the UFC aren’t so keen on the idea.
The reason? They think Jon Jones wants too much money.
That in itself is a ridiculous conclusion. Jones is one of the biggest draws in the company. For the UFC not to fork over truckloads of cash for one of their champions to face one of the most dangerous heavyweights on planet is simply bad business. The fight would produce so many pay-per-view buys that it seems like a no brainer.
In response it appears that Jon Jones is taking his fate in his own hands. Rather than accept what he considers a low payout, he’s decided to vacate his light heavyweight title.
Bones out, when you see me in the streets just call me JJ ??
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
To the light heavyweight title Veni, vidi, vici
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
I hurt myself every time I walk out there and take a punch to the head and Not feel my pay is worth it anymore. https://t.co/X3BjGA9d02
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
Jon Jones did express interest in potentially coming back for a bout against middleweight champ Israel Adesanya.
#ESPN Reyes vs Jan For the UFC light heavyweight championship of the world. As of right now, I got nothing to really gain fighting either of them. Let me know if you guys want to set up a day in 2021 for that Izzy fight. Hopefully you guys will be willing to pay by then.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
Jones detailed his feelings about the situation and how Dana White is spinning the story.
At no point did I ever demand anything from you Dana, I simply asked for a Super fight and asked to be compensated for it. You are the one who started talking negotiations publicly and showing the world how much you’ve been withholding from your athletes this whole time
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
Hunter and I had a very respectful conversation, I love how you’re trying to paint this picture of me being some angry guy disrespectfully demanding money. And then bringing up my out of the cage affairs to justify under paying me by tens of millions for years
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
You’re talking all that big guy stuff about not caring, put your money where your mouth is and release me from that contract
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
It appears The Hurt Business is no longer delivering the dividends it once did for Jones. Where he goes from here is anyone’s guess.
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
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