Jones: UFC 'unwilling to pay more' for Ngannou superfight at heavyweight
The UFC isn't willing to give Jon Jones what he wants for a move up to heavyweight, the 205-pound champion claimed Thursday on Twitter.
Jones has teased a potential superfight with Francis Ngannou ever since the top heavyweight contender earned a 20-second knockout win at UFC 249. The two fighters have spent the last two weeks trading barbs on social media.
However, it appears Jones' initial negotiation with Dana White and Co. didn't go well.
Currently in negotiation with @UFC as we speak
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
unbelievable
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
Before even discussing numbers, the UFC was unwilling to pay more for the Francis super fight / for me to move to heavyweight. Said I could possibly earn more in pay-per-view buys.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
It’s been fun you guys, maybe I’ll see you all in a year or two.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
Maybe when they’re ready to do better business I’ll come back, until then health fitness and family.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
I should’ve worded that differently, I actually think these guys do great business. Right now things just aren’t where I want them to be.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020
Ngannou, who has been waiting for a rematch with champion Stipe Miocic, quickly joined Jones in calling out the UFC for standing in the way of the potential superfight.
2) No title fight, no super fight, who knows when going to be my next fight 😤. Hope it's not in another 11 months or so. #ThisIsSucks
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 22, 2020
In recent years, Jones has made it clear he wants to jump up a weight class to bolster his legacy - but only for the right price.
The light heavyweight champion most recently beat Dominick Reyes via unanimous decision in a closely contested bout in February.
Jones was paid a guaranteed purse of $500,000 for the title defense against Reyes. He took home the same amount for wins against Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos in March and July of last year, respectively.