Jon Jones threatens to vacate the UFC lightweight title

In the past few weeks, talks of Jon Jones vs. Ngannou surfaced on twitter. Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou exchanged tweets and took jabs at each other out. 

Jones tweeted, ““If you guys think I wouldn’t take this fight you’re insane. I have absolutely nothing else to prove as a light heavyweight. I’d love that big money fight right around now. Send the deal.”

Ngannou responded, “Hello Jonny are you still there?” 

Jones hinted at a move to heavyweight would be his next move if the money was right. 

Before the negotiations even started the UFC turned down Jones’ request for more money stating he would receive the same pay. 

Jones took a jab at the UFC tweeting, “I’m not going to give up hope the way I’m taking this whole thing is @Ufc don’t want to budget the Jon Jones heavyweight move up right now. They should’ve just said that, lying on me and saying I asked for too much it’s just unfair. That was unnecessary.”

Dana white spoke at the UFC on ESPN 9 press conference and mentioned Jones was asking for 30 million “Deontay Wilder” money. Speaking to reporters on Saturday White said, Jones told his lawyer “he wants what Deontay Wilder was paid” for the February bout with Tyson Fury.

Jones asked Dana to release him from the UFC following White’s remarks, “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’s threat was unexpected and if he vacates his title and leaves the UFC, this would leave the organization in a compromising position.

Just a few weeks ago former flyweight and bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo retired leaving two titles vacant. Three champions cannot defend their titles due to travel restrictions and if Jones leaves that would leave yet another title vacant.

Will the UFC let the MMA GOAT leave?