The ongoing conflict between Jon Jones and Dana White continues to escalate
The UFC light heavyweight champion expressed his willingness to remain inactive for up to three years unless he is financially compensated to his satisfaction to step back into the octagon.
During an interview on the “Wild Ride! With Steve-O” podcast, Jones stated, “I am not eager to compete in the near future. I have no intention of returning to the UFC until I am paid what I believe I deserve.
He further added, “If I must strain my relationship with Dana [White], sit out for two or three years, in order to shed light on this issue, those are the actions that truly define a person, more so than winning titles. I am standing up for the younger fighters.”
The dispute between Jones and UFC President Dana White intensified last month when White publicly criticized Jones during a press conference. Subsequently, Jones requested to be released from his contract.
Jones mentioned that he is aware of UFC fighters who are struggling to make ends meet and are forced to live in training facilities due to inadequate pay, which is one of the reasons prompting him to speak out now. He has even indicated that he is prepared to relinquish his title if his demands are not met.
Welterweight sensation Jorge Masvidal is among those who have expressed dissatisfaction with their compensation.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Masvidal stated, “Yes, I am planning to fight this year, provided everything goes well. However, one thing that will not happen is being taken advantage of or receiving insufficient pay. I have assessed my value based on a formula we have developed over 16 years of experience in this field. I am not a newcomer, nor am I someone vying for a title for the first time.
“I have been through similar situations in various organizations, and I understand how to calculate my worth. I am entitled to a fair portion of what I bring in. I am negotiating for a more equitable share of the pay-per-view revenue, among various other concerns. I believe the current distribution is unjust, and I cannot accept it.”
