Dana White thinks if Jon Jones’ earnings became public, the critics would change their mind about the light heavyweight champion’s ongoing pay dispute with the UFC.
Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take,” White challenged critics of fighter pay to ask UFC light heavyweight champion Jones how much he makes before jumping to conclusions.
Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC), widely considered as one of the greatest fighters of all time, has recently gone public about his discontent with his renumeration from the UFC.
In a recent appearance on Steve-O’s “Wild Ride!” podcast, Jones said he has no interest in fighting until he’s paid what he’s worth. But White isn’t budging and suggested that if everyone found out how much Jones has made, they’d think the 205-pound champion been fairly compensated.
“Ask Jon Jones what he’s made,” White said. “Ask Jon Jones how much he’s getting paid. See what he tells you. He won’t tell you what he’s getting paid, because I think the narrative changes a lot when you find out what Jon Jones makes.
“But Jon Jones feels he is underpaid. I’ve said it many times, I think Jon Jones is the GOAT. I think he’s the greatest in the sport, within the last however many ever years and he doesn’t make the money that a Conor and a Khabib make and he doesn’t like that.”
While White acknowledges Jones’ accomplishments, he doesn’t think his viewership numbers translate to what he’s asking to get paid.
“The guys who really are the biggest stars in the UFC and the guys that bring in the money are the guys that are being paid,” White continued. “And some of these guys hear what a Conor McGregor or a Khabib is making and they feel that they should be making that kind of money too, which isn’t the case.”
Since recapturing the title in December 2018, Jones has successfully defended his belt three times, most recently edging out Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February.
