Jones: 'No interest' in fighting until UFC pays me more

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is willing to hold out for a better contract.

"I don't want to fight soon," Jones said during an appearance on Steve-O's "Wild Ride!" podcast. "I have no interest in fighting in the UFC until I get paid what I believe I'm worth."

Jones has spoken out against the promotion over the past month. In May, he engaged in a public back-and-forth with UFC president Dana White over rumored financial demands for a heavyweight bout against Francis Ngannou.

Jones, who's coming off a narrow win over Dominick Reyes in February, eventually asked for his UFC release and said he would vacate the 205-pound belt.

"I think it's really powerful when you stand up for what you believe is right," Jones said. "I think eventually the UFC will realize that they're being stubborn, will realize that they have a special athlete in myself, and I think they'll eventually meet me halfway."

The 32-year-old said he personally knows UFC fighters who have to live in the dorms at the Jackson Wink MMA gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico - where Jones trains - because they can't afford their own apartment.

Jones said he's ultimately willing to tarnish his relationship with White if it means making a difference for other athletes in the promotion.

"If I have to have a bad relationship with Dana, sit out for two years, three years, to bring light to what's happening, then these are the things people remember you for more than winning belts," Jones said. "I stood for the younger fighters."