Jon Jones

By FCF Staff

Jon Jones has repeatedly said he wants a pay raise, before he agrees to fight Francis Ngannou. But, the former light heavyweight champ is denying he wants $30 million for the contest, like Dana White recently claimed.

Since Ngannou won the heavyweight title last month, by knocking out Stipe Miocic, Jones has been campaigning for a title shot. But, ‘Bones’ has made it clear he’s not happy with what the UFC has offered to date for the fight.

While appearing on the Bill Simmons podcast recently, White made the following claim, about what Jones is asking for the Ngannou bout (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“In his deal, he’s talking he wants $30 million guaranteed. The way that this works is, these guys all share in the pay-per-view. … He will share in the profits of the fight. That’s how it works. That’s how you run a business, and you don’t go broke.”

Since then, Jones tweeted out this response.

I never discussed wanting 30 million with you or Hunter
@danawhite just wondering where you heard that number? Is someone speaking with you on my behalf or…

I never discussed wanting 30 million with you or Hunter @danawhite just wondering where you heard that number? Is someone speaking with you on my behalf or…

— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 23, 2021

White also reportedly said, in the aforementioned interview, that Derrick Lewis “deserves” to fight Ngannou next. Lewis beat Ngannou via decision in 2018, in a fight that was widely criticized for its lack of action.

The 33-year-old Jones hasn’t fought since February, 2020, when he recorded a split decision win over Dominick Reyes.