Jason Burgos
Jon Jones just revealed the money he was looking for in a failed booking against Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card.
Last month, the UFC finally revealed the long-awaited lineup for their historic June event that will take place on the lawn of the White House. However, to the chagrin of mixed martial arts fans, the greatest fighter in the sports industry, Jon Jones, was left off the card.
Before the announcement, rumors swirled that the company was in talks with “Bones” about a fight with Pereira, the former two-division champion. Even Jones confirmed as much. Yet, the two sides were unable to reach a deal.
In the weeks since, UFC CEO Dana White has tried to downplay how real conversations were. Jones has grown frustrated with the denials from his boss and even requested to be released from his contract. Reports suggested that the former two-division champion’s asking price was the deal breaker. On Saturday, Jones added more information about the failed negotiations.
Jon Jones wanted just over $15 million for UFC White House return
“Was ready, willing, and physically able to step in. I was willing to take substantially less than the [Tom] Aspinall ask, but they wouldn’t budge one dollar over $15 million,” Jones wrote in an X post. “I felt like our fight was worth more.”
Over $15 million is certainly a huge number for the usual amounts UFC stars make. However, if any fighter and card were worth the price, Jones and the UFC White House event would seem like the one to splurge on. Furthermore, it looks bad for White when he is reportedly paying boxer Conor Benn that amount for just one fight in Zuffa Boxing.
The UFC is reportedly spending around $60 million to put on the June event, dubbed UFC Freedom Fight 260.
