UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is receiving support from an unexpected source: YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul.
Paul made a name for himself in combat sports by defeating older UFC fighters and provoking Dana White whenever possible. Jones and White are currently on the same side regarding Jones facing Stipe Miocic instead of interim champ Tom Aspinall. Paul, also known as “The Problem Child” or “El Gallo,” is trying to create a rift between them.
His method? Issue a challenge to the UFC to pay Jones his deserved amount to fight against Aspinall.
Jon Jones doesn’t dodge anyone. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
Show him the money – that real money. Not that spin the narrative money.
Him versus Aspinal is massive as it hits two big ppv markets. $25M guarantee plus ppv seems about right. @JonnyBones
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) August 29, 2024
“Jon Jones doesn’t dodge anyone,” Paul wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He knows exactly what he’s doing. Show him the money — that real money. Not that ‘spin the narrative’ money. Him versus Aspinal is massive as it hits two big PPV markets. $25M guarantee plus PPV seems about right.”
That’s Deontay Wilder money, and the last time White suspected Jones was aiming for that it resulted in negotiations so acrimonious that Jon relinquished the light heavyweight title and sat out for three years.
Jones claims he never asked for that much, he just wanted a pay renegotiation for his move up to heavyweight. However, the UFC’s strict control on fighter pay led to Jones benching himself rather than discussing a raise, which is not the way to treat the greatest of all time.
In 2020, Jones and White had a strained relationship, but now they are on good terms with mutual respect for each other’s accomplishments.
Nope, not at all, but I definitely appreciate all the attention he gives me., I’m more relevant than ever. Haven’t even fought. It’s an amazing thing. https://t.co/BVoWCXaCJE
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 30, 2024
“You put Dana White in a business meeting with any man on this f—ing planet, there’s only one man coming out on top,” Jones wrote. “Real recognize real.”
Their relationship is solid as long as their interests align, focused on Jones vs. Stipe Miocic in November at Madison Square Garden. But if Jones wins and negotiations for his next fight arise, will the harmony last?
If Jones demands even a fraction of Jake Paul’s suggested $25 million purse to continue fighting, will he still be White’s pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter?
