Sasquatch, Loch Ness monster, El Chupacabra … Deontay Wilder money?
For the second time in his UFC career, Jon Jones has an opportunity to fight Stipe Miocic.
Unfortunately for fight fans, “Bones” would rather sit on the bench and wait for an industry-defining payday against Francis Ngannou than fight the former heavyweight champion. I would imagine a victory over Miocic would only help his cause; though to be fair, a loss would be catastrophic.
“Don’t get excited people, I’m not fighting Stipe,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “I’m not here to fight Stipe but I will defend my belt against him no problem. I’m looking for the biggest draw and I’m willing to wait. 33 years old I’m a better athlete right now than I’ve ever been before. I’m just going to keep training my ass off.”
Having covered Jones since the day he first stepped foot inside the cage, I can tell you “Bones” is probably worth whatever it is he’s asking for, based on what he’s done for the company over the last decade in terms of gross revenue.
“I’m sick of hearing the same shit, you’re not a big enough star, you don’t bring in enough pay-per-view,” Jones continued. “I’m ready to fight fights that will bring in pay-per-view. The world wants to see some black on black crime right now and I’m ready to give it to them lol.”
Jones will lose the waiting game if he’s the only one playing it. So long as Ngannou, Miocic, and all the other top heavyweights continue to compete there will be no reason for UFC to blink first.