UFC president Dana White says [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]’ future is in his own hands, whether he chooses to keep fighting or retire.
In a statement given to The Canadian Press on Monday, White said Jones (25-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) is in a position where he can walk away from fighting altogether, should he want to.
“Jon Jones is one of the greatest to ever do it,” said White. “The decision he wants to make regarding his career is up to him. The reality is that he’s made enough money from fighting that he’s now in the position to retire and never work again in his life.”
In recent weeks, Jones and White have engaged in a war of words stemming from recent fight negotiations. After Jones tweeted negotiations pertaining to a potential Francis Ngannou fight fell through due to his request for a monetary increase, White countered, saying the UFC light heavyweight champion asked for an “absurd” amount of money – approximately $30 million.
Hours later, Jones called White a liar on Twitter and asked the UFC president to release their text conversation on the matter. At the UFC on ESPN 9 post-fight news conference, White stood by his claims about Jones’ money request, but said negotiations with Jones were improving. Shortly thereafter, Jones tweeted again, asking for his UFC release.
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White’s Monday statement came after a series of Sunday tweets issued by Jones, in which the UFC light heavyweight champion claimed he’s going to vacate his title. In his absence, Jones proposed a vacant title fight between contenders Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz.
Jones, 32, last competed at UFC 247 in February when he defeated Reyes by split decision.
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