(Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Jones Upset Over Negotiations For Ngannou Fight

By FIGHTSPORTS May 22, 2020 Last updated May 25, 2020

Following what appears to be a bad meeting of the minds with the brass of the UFC, Jon Jones is done trying to make a fight with Francis Ngannou happen.

Last night (May 21), Jones (26-1, 1 NC) made everyone on Twitter aware that he was working on the proposed “big money fight” between himself and heavyweight star Francis Ngannou.

Currently in negotiation with @UFC as we speak

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020

It only took about 30 minutes until the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion tweeted “unbelievable”, which meant that he did not get the deal he believed he deserved.

One of the reasons for the negotiations hitting a snag is the idea of revenue. Currently, no fans will be attending events due to the coronavirus. Historically, fights with Jones tend to result in gates of over $2,500,000. His last fight, a unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes, earned over $3,549,418 inside the Toyota Center. Despite that, Jones stated the UFC was not willing to negotiate.

“Before even discussing numbers, the UFC was unwilling to pay more for the Francis super fight / for me to move to heavyweight. Said I could possibly earn more in pay-per-view buys.”

Jones also stated he will see fans in a year or two from now, as he has given enough to the company for over a decade.

Before even discussing numbers, the UFC was unwilling to pay more for the Francis super fight / for me to move to heavyweight. Said I could possibly earn more in pay-per-view buys.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020

Maybe when they’re ready to do better business I’ll come back, until then health fitness and family.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 21, 2020

Jones was able to regain the UFC Light Heavyweight Title in a bout against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232. This was after testing positive for the drug turinabol and being stripped of the title. He then beat Anthony Smith at UFC 235 before competing in close contests against Thiago Santos and Reyes.

Recently, Jones was arrested for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a weapon and possession of an open container. There were traces of marijuana in his car, as well as a half-drunken bottle and a gun, which was fired off, per reports. With a bond arraignment court date set for April 9, Jones pled guilty and agreed to be placed under a type of house arrest. He had to complete community service, as well as pay hefty fines.

Ngannou (15-3) is on a four-fight win streak. He won his last bout at UFC 249 against Jairzinho Rozenstruik in only 20 seconds, knocking him out after a few shots. “The Predator” has been requesting a UFC Heavyweight Title opportunity but would settle for a Jones fight. Once seeing Jones’ tweets, Ngannou let out his frustrations.

“In my opinion, the @ufc aren’t willing to make this Jon fight happens or at least for what it worth”

In my opinion, the @ufc aren't willing to make this Jon fight happens or at least for what it worth 💰

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 22, 2020

A few hours after posting his rant, Jones came back to Twitter, stating he was calm. Jones went on to say that he was just disappointed that the UFC didn’t see the value in a fight with him and Ngannou. He later turned his attention back to the light heavyweight division, using Conor McGregor’s “red panty night” line. He then ended his rant and named the next contender in the division, Jan Blachowicz.

I’ve had some time to think about it and Im a lot less emotional. Just sad that the ufc doesn’t see my value against the scariest HW in the world. Jan I guess you’re next in line #badbusiness #shocked

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 22, 2020