Jon Jones to Dana White: Publish Text Messages on Wilder Money Request

The UFC light heavyweight champion is adding more fuel to the back-and-forth he’s been having over the these past few days with UFC president Dana White.

After White said that Jones had requested “absurd” Deontay Wilder-type money to bump up to heavyweight in order to to face top contender Francis Ngannou, “Bones” fired back via Twitter, asking the UFC boss to release the texts where White claimed Jones’ team made the request.

If you’re going to stick to these lies, I’m going to stick to defending myself. Please have your lawyer Hunter Campbell release those text messages.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020

Don’t be a fucking liar, my reputation has already taking enough hits. I don’t need this bullshit Dana. I never asked for Diante Wilder‘s numbers. And how about since Diante is making 30 million, we settle for half of that. Since you said I’m the goat and everything.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020

I don’t even make half of half of what Diante Wilder makes. If my reputation causes you to undervalue me this much. Just go ahead and release me from my @Ufc contract altogether. I’m sure some promoter somewhere will be more than happy to pick me up.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020

Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) went on to suggest that his total payment is closer to $5 million per fight, but a superfight with Ngannou (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) should be worth more. Rather than compare himself to Wilder, Jones said if he wants to compare sporting financials, he'd look towards his NFL athlete brothers Arthur and Chandler.

And if I wanted to compare money to someone else, I would compare money to my brothers. I see firsthand the way the NFL treats their champion athletes, there’s a huge difference. I’ve kept my mouth shut my entire career.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020

And if I wanted to compare money to someone else, I would compare money to my brothers. I see firsthand the way the NFL treats their champion athletes, there’s a huge difference. I’ve kept my mouth shut my entire career.

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020

Jones has expressed willingness to move up to heavyweight so long as his pay by the UFC is also upped. Ngannou has also shown interest in fighting Jones and said it was the UFC that didn’t want to make the bout happen.