The UFC appears unwilling to meet the demands of Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC). The former light heavyweight champion has been very vocal about what he wants financially to fight Francis Ngannou (16-3) for the UFC heavyweight title.
Ngannou just won the title at UFC 260 when he knocked out Stipe Miocic in the second round. Immediately after the fight was over, Jones and the UFC were at odds. It all started with a ‘Show me the money’ tweet from Jones.
The promotion called Jones and talked parameters. However, Jones was not thrilled and insinuated last week that the offer to fight Ngannou would be for around 8-10 million dollars. This number was too low for the former UFC light heavyweight champion.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported today that the promotion is not willing to meet the asking price of Jones as of now. With that in mind, the UFC has started kicking the tires on the rematch between Ngannou and Derrick Lewis (25-7, 1 NC)
UFC moving to Ngannou – Lewis 2?
After Jones tweeted out last week that the UFC’s offer was too low, Lewis said that he would take the fight. The Black Beast is ready to go and he wants a shot at Ngannou and the UFC heavyweight title.
Per Helwani, the promotion tried booking the fight for June 12th. However, Ngannou wanted a little more time seeing as he just won the heavyweight title the weekend before last.
With that in mind, the UFC is now looking at August as a potential spot for the rematch between Ngannou and Lewis. Their first fight failed to live up to expectations and Derrick Lewis won a decision.
However, I think the rematch would go much differently and I believe that’s what the UFC is banking on. As of now, the promotion is seems intent on moving on from Jon Jones and his demands.
In reaching out to a few people, it seems that the odds of Jones and the UFC coming to a deal anytime soon are low. Jones might challenge for the heavyweight title, but as of now it doesn’t appear that he will be next for Francis Ngannou.