The Jon Jones-Dana White social media war of words over compensation for his next fight has escalated. On Sunday Jones indicated that he was abdicating his UFC Light Heavyweight title.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 31, 2020
#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
The impasse over money comes with Jones interested in a move up in weight class to fight Francis Ngannou. However, Jones wants more money for the fight. White has stated that the UFC can’t pay him what he wants. Moreover, Jones just signed a new contract with the promotion. White took to the ESPN car wash in advocating for his point and saying that Jones wanted compensation similar to that of Deontay Wilder which was pegged at $30 million. Jones denied stating that this was not the truth.
White stated that Jones talked to UFC counsel Hunter Campbell on Friday but it appears that those discussions did not produce any ground in appeasing the light heavyweight champion.
With the tweets on Sunday, it appears that Jones is willing to sit out of the light heavyweight picture until he is compensated the way he believes he should be. And, he has leverage despite his indiscretions. Certainly, Jones has hurt his reputation through his own actions. Yet, the UFC has continued to support him and bend over backwards to accommodate him. Recall, that they moved an entire card from Vegas to Los Angeles for Jones.
Notwithstanding Jones’ problems outside of the sport, of which there are many, Jones stand is credible. He is a champion and his talents are unique and cannot be replaced simply by putting a belt on another. While it would make sense for Jones to continue through the light heavyweight division and take on any and all challengers, its his purview to seek the best competition and highest pay due to the fact that this sport does not have a long shelf-life. Something that Jones is well aware.
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
Payout Perspective:
Jones is in a position where he doesn’t have to succumb to the need to fight for a paycheck as he’s made his money. He realizes his position, leverage and although there are viable reasons why the UFC does not want to budge in meeting Jones’ demands, he is sticking to the mantra that he knows his worth. We will see if the impasse will be resolved and Jones fights by the end of the year.
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