UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been one of the highest-profile fighters in history to challenge the UFC in its practices when it pays fighters. That doesn’t mean he’s necessarily trying to force a top-down shift, but he’s gearing up for a long contractual battle that could see him on the sidelines for up to two or three years, he says.
“I am not asking for anything outrageous, and I know we are in a pandemic, and I know that when you are a billionaire and you are asking for more, it makes you look like this greedy person,” Jones continued. “I am very aware of all this, but I am also very aware that I have the voice and the platform to make the change.
“Most of the guys who are doing the worst are not in the position to be able to say publicly, ‘I have a second job; I am borrowing money from my parents. I know so many fighters who live in the (Jackson Wink) MMA gym because they can’t afford to have their own department, and they are UFC fighters. So this is sad.
“And if I have to have a bad relationship with Dana, be gone for two years, three years, to shed light on what’s happening, then these are the things people remember you for more than winning belts. I defended the younger fighters. “
While some lower-paid fighters can fight for another promotion, like Bellator or ONE Championship, and earn as much or more money than in the UFC, Jones probably doesn’t have that option. Admitting to win millions of dollars per fight, there are a few other promotions that could improve Jones’ salary and keep his rosters in balance.
Jones understands this, believing that his options are primarily to make a deal with the UFC or withdraw.
“That’s the messiest thing about my current situation. In any other profession, if you’re not satisfied with the way they treat you or the way they pay you or whatever, you can always make your decision. And go to the next boss. See if they value you more. In my situation, I would be forced to withdraw from the fight entirely, unless I wanted to train or own a gym, my hands are tied. “
Although he says he is prepared for an extended period on the sidelines, Jones is optimistic that he will eventually work things out with the UFC.
“I think it is really powerful when you stand up for what you think is right and I think eventually the UFC will realize they are stubborn. I think they will eventually find me halfway there.”
Jon Jones braced himself for a long UFC wait“data-reactid =” 34 “>Jon Jones braced himself for a long UFC wait
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