Jon Jones denies he ever asked Dana White for $30 million.
In a tweet Friday, Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) refuted a claim made earlier in the day by White, in which the UFC president said Jones asked for that amount to fight heavyweight champion Francis Ngnannou.
“I never discussed wanting 30 million with you or Hunter (Campbell) @danawhite just wondering where you heard that number?” Jones wrote. “Is someone speaking on my behalf or…”
Over the years, White and Jones have disagreed both in the open and behind closed doors. Particularly in recent months, however, the two parties have openly butted heads.
Jones, who is preparing for his heavyweight debut, has expressed displeasure with his career earnings and future potential payments on numerous occasions. He has not competed since UFC 247 in February 2020. He subsequently vacated the light heavyweight title.
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
Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s chief business officer, has been Jones’ main contact when negotiating with the promotion because of his rocky relationship with White. However, White told reporters in December he and Jones had “a really good phone conversation.”
Three months later, Jones asked for his UFC release on Twitter.
While Jones hasn’t publicly revealed what number he hopes to get from the UFC, in late March, he said the $8-10 million range is too low.
In addition to dropping the $30 million figure, White said Ngannou (16-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) would likely defend his title for the first time against surging contender Derrick Lewis. The two fought in July 2018 when Lewis defeated Ngannou by unanimous decision.
No timeframe for Ngannou’s defense has been revealed.
