Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones for the heavyweight title would be one of the biggest fights in the history of the UFC. If, that is, the UFC wants to put it together. Unfortunately for everyone interested in this super-fight, UFC president Dana White is engaged in a strange war of attrition with GOAT contender and greatest light heavyweight champion of all time Jon Jones. Jones wants to get paid for the Ngannou fight, and White doesn’t want to pay him.
Reasonable people can disagree on what a fair amount of money is for Jones to earn, but from what we’ve seen the UFC has been slamming the door in Jones’ face the moment any discussion above and beyond what he’s owed on his current contract is raised. We have a full breakdown of how we got to this point, with much of the action taking place back in May of 2020 when Jones last tried to get a fight with Ngannou set up. Things haven’t really changed since then: White has been generally open to Jones fighting Ngannou, but the moment money is brought up, things change right quick.
“Derrick Lewis is the fight to make, but if Jon Jones really wants that fight….” White said at the UFC 260 press conference. “It’s one thing to say you put on the weight and all that. I promise you, we can call Derrick Lewis and one of these other heavyweights and they want the fight. If Jon Jones really wants the fight, he can do his call in and get the fight.”
The UFC has never hesitated to pit contenders against each other in a race to the bottom as far as pay goes. But one fight is just a fight while the other is a superfight. We’ve got some pretty extensive thoughts on how the UFC seems almost incapable of booking the biggest fights because it threatens to break a business model that is built around paying only 18% to 19.5% of revenue to the fighters. For now, let’s take a look at Jon Jones’ reaction to Dana White’s latest snub after UFC 260.
If anyone is wondering if I really want to fight, the answer is yes. I also really want to get paid.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I quit the light heavyweight division, literally gained a massive amount of weight. And now people are saying I’m afraid? Everyone but me claiming that I’m afraid. All I asked was to get paid.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I quit the light heavyweight division, literally gained a massive amount of weight. And now people are saying I’m afraid? Everyone but me claiming that I’m afraid. All I asked was to get paid.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
why does a fighter have to be afraid the second he mentions he wants to get paid his worth. What an insult.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
Conor McGregor wants big money, it’s expected. Jon Jones wants money, now he’s scare.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I’ve been working my butt off, gained all this weight. Have never lost a fight before. Now all of a sudden I am scared. What bullshit
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
It’s OK, Derek can have the fight. No need to rush a great thing. I’ve already had a Hall of Fame career, I’m going to need some bread https://t.co/P3s2tORYjQ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I’ve been fighting my whole adult life, this shit just don’t feel right when you feel undervalued. It’s not an issue of wanting to fight. It’s an issue of wanting to be paid better. Let’s make that clear https://t.co/gVJhWo9seN
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I’m glad some of you agree with me. It’s like my brothers with football. Once they both got their Super Bowl rings, they went after the money contracts. https://t.co/nWeT2EqBIj
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
The next morning, “Bones” had some more thoughts to share.
Let’s not forget Stipe lost to DC. Stipe only defended his belt like five times to my 15. The man showed up at 230 to fight against Francis. He is no Jon Jones, I want this fight, excited to see what the UFC think it’s worth
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
You guys get so impressed by the guy with the knockout power. I’ve been proven for over a decade that punching hard means shit. I’ll let all you fans be super hyped, I’ll stick to what I know. Pay me and let me go to work
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I’ve been talking about getting paid more for over a year now, has nothing to do with France is winning the belt. I fear no man, i’ve been beating up on heavy weight since I was a skinny kid. Gain all this size and strength just to suddenly be afraid? Sure let’s switch narrative
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
Bro I’ve gotten out of the way from much faster punchers. And I have a pretty solid chin. Let’s not forget fight IQ, reach, speed, distance. I’m not going to just stand there like stipe did. https://t.co/szqyJMtUjA
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I always hear about how much the company is growing yet one year later I find myself in the same spot. I put in the work, I’ve done my part. I have completely transformed myself and now I meet a brick wall.. how discouraging
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
A huge slap in the face, and I thought we were in good terms. I’ve been sitting here working hard, excited to come back to the company. Just to get that shit https://t.co/O0yauvgkLM
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
We think this one goes out to DC?
If you are a former fighter, who is now a puppet. And you are insinuating that I am afraid because I’m asking for more money. You should be ashamed of yourself, you are part of the problem.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
I am going to try to remain faithful. There’s still time for the UFC to do the right thing. I am supposed to be seeing a fight proposal next week. Fingers are crossed, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for everyone involved.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
So the good news is Jones is supposed to see a fight proposal next week, and hopefully it will include a fair offer. The bad news is the UFC is not known for cracking open their wallet after being called out on pay issues. If you’re in their good graces and you catch them on a good day, then maybe you’ll be allowed to renegotiate or get a bonus. But the moment it turns into a strange control thing, Dana White and the gang can get pretty damn obstinate. This is definitely in that territory.