Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently announced that he is retiring from the UFC. He was supposed to fight the winner of Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou.
After Ngannou emerged as the new UFC heavyweight champion, many expected him to face ‘Bones’ in his first title defense as the latter is looking to make his debut in the division.
However, the recent tirade on Twitter from Jones has squashed any possibilities of that fight happening anytime soon. He announced retirement, adding to the surprise of the fans.
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‘Bones’ recently explained the reasoning behind his decision. He wants a raise in payment for taking the extra risk of moving up a weight class and fighting a beast, like Ngannou.
“But the fact that the UFC wasn’t willing to budge at all they didn’t want to talk about hey listen let’s pay you a little less let’s enhance this this let’s make this, there was never, zero, no negotiation whether you go heavyweight next whether you used to fight Dominick Reyes next, whether you fight Jan Blachowicz next, we’re going to get paid the same amount, the same amount and that’s what made me retire,” said Jones.
Jones is considered the greatest fighter to ever grace the UFC Octagon. However, his recent performances have been rather lackluster, considering his sky-high usual standards.
‘Bones‘ believes the chances of him getting defeated are much higher at heavyweight, especially against someone like ‘The Predator‘ who can break his jaw. He is ready to take the risk but only if compensated adequately.
Should the UFC re-negotiate with Jon Jones?
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Jones’ accolades inside the Octagon are undeniable. There’s a reason why everyone respects him so much as a fighter.
UFC fighters are usually very underpaid when compared to other mainstream sports’ superstars. However, one might argue they put more on the line in terms of training and risk for their job.
So, Jones has a right to ask for higher rewards to take bigger risks. But his recent saga with the UFC is only making the fans wait longer. MMA fanatics want to see him fight. So, it would be better if both parties come to an agreement sooner rather than later.
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What do you make of Jon Jones’s claims? Let us know.