Recently Jon Jones jacked the MMA world by saying he’d fight Francis Ngannou next, before reporting that the fight’s been stalled, since the UFC isn’t willing to pay more money.
But, more recently, Dana White’s provided his side on why the all-star bout isn’t going to happen. Not anytime soon, at least, by the sounds of it.
White says Jones is asking for an “absurd amount of money”
Earlier this month, after watching former foe, Ovince Saint Preux battle Ben Rothwell, Jones let it be known that he was interested in fighting feared, heavyweight slugger, Francis Ngannou next. The latter relayed he was on board, and buzz for the bout immediately made the rounds.
But, not long after, Jones said the fight was dead on arrival. According to the light-heavyweight champ, the UFC wasn’t willing to pay him more for a super fight with “The Predator”.
Well, more recently White spoke with ESPN. While talking about negotiations for Jones – Ngannou, he made this claim (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“It’s one thing if you come out and say, ‘Yeah, listen, I want a little more money,’” White said. “The amount of money Jon Jones wanted doesn’t make (sense).
First of all, you have, in the light heavyweight division, the Dominick Reyes fight as the fight that makes sense.
So is Jon Jones going to go and fight Francis Ngannou, then try to take a run at the heavyweight title? I don’t believe that. He’s never wanted to move to heavyweight before.
“For the amount of money he’s asking for, it’s not going to happen. You couldn’t be asking for a more absurd amount of money at a worse time.”
And so what’s next for Jones? White said this.
“We’ve got guys lined up at light heavyweight, whether it’s Jan Blachowicz or Dominick Reyes,”
So, it’s interesting to see that White didn’t say they’re not willing to pay more for the bout. But, rather, Jones and his team are asking for too much.
Although, Jones and his camp may have a different take. Further, and as White was likely alluding to, the UFC can’t generate any gate revenue right now, since cards are being held with no fans.
White praises Jones
Despite the failed talks, White noted that he still regards Jones as the greatest fighter of all time.
“Listen, there’s no debate,” White said. “Jon Jones in the GOAT. Jon Jones is the greatest to ever do it. There’s no debate about it if you look at what the guy has accomplished, and what he was doing while he accomplished these things. You know what I mean?”
Do you agree? And if not, would a win over Ngannou solidify Jones as the GOAT in your mind?
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