Jon Jones: ‘I Have No Interest in Fighting in the UFC Until I Get Paid What I Believe I’m Worth’

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently appeared on Wild Ride! w/ Steve-O this week, and Jones discussed his ongoing pay issues with the UFC (via MMAMania). As noted, Jones has accused UFC for underpaying him for most of his career when they were unable to come to terms on a deal for him to fight Francis Ngannou. Below are some highlights and a video of Jones’ appearance:

Jon Jones on not having plans to fight until he’s paid what he’s worth: “I don’t want to fight soon. I have no interest in fighting in the UFC until I get paid what I believe I’m worth. I’m not asking for anything outrageous, and I know we’re in a pandemic, and I know when you’re a multimillionaire and you’re asking for more, it makes you seem like this greedy person. I’m very aware of all of this, but I’m also very aware that I have the voice and the platform to make change. Most of the guys who are doing the absolute worst are not in the position that they can say publicly, ‘I have a second job; I’m borrowing money from my parents.’ I know so many fighters who are living in the (Jackson Wink) MMA gym because they can’t afford to have their own apartment, and they are UFC fighters. So this is sad. And 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. I stood for the younger fighters.”

Jones on how he can’t leave and go elsewhere and how he’d be forced to retire: “That’s the most messed up thing about my situation currently. In any other profession, if you’re unhappy with the way you’re being treated or the way you’re being paid or whatever, you can always take your s*** and leave and go to the next boss, see if they value you more. In my situation, I would be forced to retire from fighting completely, unless I wanted to coach or own a gym, my hands are tied.”

On what he hopes will happen: “I think it is really powerful when you stand up for what you believe is right and I think that eventually the UFC will realize that they are being stubborn. I think they’ll eventually meet me halfway.”