Jon Jones tells Dana White to publish text messages on Wilder money request, asks for UFC release

Jon Jones is calling the UFC’s bluff.

The UFC light heavyweight champion has added yet another layer to the public back-and-forth he’s been having over the course of several days with UFC president Dana White.

After White said that Jones had asked for “absurd” Deontay Wilder-type money for a move up to heavyweight to face top contender Francis Ngannou, “Bones” fired back at the UFC boss, asking him to release the text messages 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

Don’t be a f*cking liar. My reputation has already taking enough hits. I don’t need this bullsh*t 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.

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.

Jones last fought in the main event of UFC 247 in February, where he outpointed Dominick Reyes in a close decision to defend his light heavyweight belt. His disclosed purse for the bout was $500,000, not counting pay-per-view points and other bonuses worked into his contract.

Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) went on to seemingly suggest that his total compensation is closer to $5 million per fight but said a superfight with Ngannou (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) should be worth more. And rather than compare himself to Wilder, Jones said if he wants to compare sporting financials, he need look no further than his brothers Arthur and Chandler, each of whom plays in the NFL.

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

Do I make 5+ per fight, yes. Should I stick to that number for my super fights? No. If you don’t agree with me, you just don’t know business. I certainly didn’t ask for 30, never even threw out a number.

Jones has expressed willingness to move up to heavyweight only if the UFC pays him more money than he’s currently contracted. Ngannou has also shown interest in fighting Jones and said it was the UFC that didn’t want to make the bout happen.