Jon “Bones” Jones is angling for a UFC heavyweight title fight with newly crowned champion Francis Ngannou. He also wants a tremendous amount of money.
Jones, who is moving to heavyweight after a long and legendary run at light heavyweight, had previously tweeted “Show me the money” after Ngannou starched Stipe Miocic in the second round this past weekend to become the new heavyweight champion.
Show me the money
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
The former UFC light heavyweight champion shed more light on negotiations for a possible fight with Francis Ngannou on Twitter. He said he spoke with one of the UFC's lawyers suggesting he would need more than $8 million to $10 million for a “fight of this magnitude.”
I had a brief phone meeting with UFC‘s lawyer Hunter a few days ago. As of right now I expressed to him that anywhere around eight to $10 million would be way too low for a fight of this magnitude. That’s all that has been discussed so far.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 31, 2021
Jon Jones continued with a string of tweets explaining the excitement for a possible bout with Francis Ngannou is unparalleled and demanding he get his just due in payment.
I’ve been working my ass off for years, concussions, surgeries, fighting the Toughest competition UFC had to offer throughout my 20s for right around 2 million per fight. I’m just trying to have my payday, the fight that all of us fighters Believe is one day possible.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 31, 2021
I believe I was grossly underpaid throughout my entire 20s. I’m not even here bitching about that. I just want to see the future done right.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 31, 2021
UFC boss Dana White said in the post-fight press conference after UFC 260 he would set up Jones-Ngannou immediately if there was interest. Just how much is he willing to pay in order to make it happen?
There is no doubt the fight would be an enormous draw. Jones is one of the most polarizing stars in the MMA world. Ngannou's terrifying knockout power looks all the more dangerous after he showed more fluid movements and terrific takedown defense in his KO victory over Miocic. He absolutely has the potential to be a face of the company.
It would seem the ball is in White's court. Both fighters could be eager to set it up and earn an enormous payday. Scheduling a bout for this summer might allow for a full arena, which would surely provide a greater net revenue for White and Co. to lean on.
For his part, Jon Jones is not inclined to take a discount.
Follow Us
Subscribe