“Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans,” Jones wrote on social media. “Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.”
Jones also addressed White’s claim that hip issues played a role in the decision.
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense.”
According to Jones, he was actively preparing to compete on the historic event.
“I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready.
I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right.
After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m “done” is disappointing. Especially when, as recently as Friday, UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.
If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today.
No more spins, no more games.
Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up. Bones out.”
Meanwhile, reporter Ariel Helwani revealed that the promotion did, in fact, negotiate with Jones. The reported plan was for him to headline the UFC White House card against fellow two-division champion Alex Pereira, but the two sides ultimately could not agree on financial terms.
Whether Jones was ever truly close to fighting on the card remains up for debate. White has maintained that Jones was never seriously considered, citing his hip issues along with several past controversies outside the cage.
Jones requesting his release is particularly intriguing. With former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently free from his contract with Professional Fighters League (PFL), a long-discussed super fight between the two could theoretically be possible — perhaps even on a major platform like Netflix.
Hate to defend the UFC but gtfo, Guy has been a headache for a decade. Dana literally moved an event overnight to another state because of his “picograms”, nevermind destroying UFC 200. Lest we forget the numerous arrests, holding up the HW division etc. I’m sure there’s a lot I’m forgetting.
They don’t care about pay-per-view buys anymore.
Jones wanted 30M and UFC said no is my guess.
Well Jones hasn’t sold any decent numbers in over 5 years.
I’m sure the ufc and Dana don’t care of he leaves. If they did, Dana wouldn’t have been taking him publicly. He’s nowhere near worth the hassle. At least the hassle of Conor Mac is worth it for the PPV/viewing numbers.
But they do care about eyeballs and Jon isn’t pulling anyone in, that’s if he actually shows up to the fight.
Well the Whitehouse Card would have been waaay better with Jones fighting on it..
Honestly, the best thing for the UFC is to quickly let him walk and wash their hands of him.
The guy is a walking nightmare for the org.
fixed
Exactly this and no one seems to understand
My guess is they offered 10 million win or lose.
Well the ufc is pathetic and should have made the fight. The number of viewers is going to be insane
They’re already losing on this card they should have at least offered 15 million, lol.
pay JJ 30 M ? Nahhhhhhhhhhhh/
What are they losing?
Why not?
Integrity
The ufc?