Jon Jones Claims UFC ‘Lowballed’ Him, Requests Release
Jon Jones, the renowned mixed martial artist, has publicly requested his release from the UFC. This decision follows a heated exchange with UFC president Dana White, who criticized Jones’s claims about negotiations for a fight on the upcoming White House card.
Background on the Dispute
Over the weekend, White dismissed Jones’s assertion that he was in discussions for a fight scheduled for June 14. He referred to Jones’s comments as “bulls*,” stating he never considered Jones for the event. In response, Jones reacted strongly on social media before deleting his posts. On Monday, he took a more measured approach, addressing the issue in a detailed statement.
Jones’s Claims
In his post on X, Jones clarified his position regarding the negotiations. He stated, “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.”
Health Concerns
During his statement, Jones also addressed his health struggles. He revealed he has arthritis in his hip but insisted this does not prevent him from competing. He questioned whether accepting a lowball offer would magically resolve his health issues, remarking, “That doesn’t make sense.”
Response and Future Plans
Jones disclosed that he had received stem cell treatment to prepare for the potential fight and intended to begin his training camp shortly. He expressed disappointment at White’s public comments about his career status. He said, “After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing.”
Request for Release
- Jones requests release based on UFC’s doubts about his ability to fight.
- He thanks fans for their ongoing support.
- He looks for a clean break from the organization.
He concluded by stating that if the UFC genuinely believes he is finished with fighting, he would like a formal release. Jones emphasized the need for honesty in business dealings, rejecting any further “spins” or “games” in the relationship. His future in the sport remains uncertain after this public fallout.
