Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been making headlines recently with his decision to come out of retirement. In a recent statement, Jones said, “I’m not retired, I’m actively training 5 days a week, and I’m training for the White House event.” This statement has sparked a lot of interest and speculation among UFC fans, as they eagerly await Jones’ return to the octagon.
The White House event, also known as the UFC 260, is scheduled to take place on March 27th, 2021. It is a highly anticipated event, with a stacked card featuring some of the biggest names in the UFC. However, what makes Jones’ statement even more intriguing is the fact that he won’t be fighting on this card. So why is he training for it?
Many fans and experts have been speculating that Jones is training for a potential fight with the current heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. The two have been going back and forth on social media, with Ngannou even calling out Jones for a fight. This has led to rumors of a potential super fight between the two, which would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
However, despite all the hype and speculation, UFC insider, Ariel Helwani, has pointed out the obvious reason why Jones won’t be getting the same payday as Conor McGregor. In a recent interview, Helwani stated, “It’s simple. Jon Jones is not a draw like Conor McGregor.” This statement may seem harsh, but it is the reality of the situation.
McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star in the UFC, with his fights generating record-breaking pay-per-view buys and gate revenues. He has become a household name, transcending the sport of MMA and reaching mainstream popularity. On the other hand, Jones, while being one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, has not been able to achieve the same level of stardom as McGregor.
This is not to say that Jones is not a draw at all. He has a loyal fan base and has headlined some of the biggest UFC events in the past. However, his pay-per-view numbers have never reached the same heights as McGregor’s. In fact, Jones’ last two fights, against Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes, generated around 500,000 pay-per-view buys, which is significantly lower than McGregor’s numbers.
Helwani also pointed out that Jones’ recent legal troubles have affected his marketability. Jones has had multiple run-ins with the law, including a hit-and-run incident and a failed drug test. These incidents have tarnished his image and made him a controversial figure in the eyes of the public.
Furthermore, Jones’ demands for a higher paycheck have also been a factor in the UFC’s decision not to pay him the same amount as McGregor. Jones has been vocal about wanting a bigger payday, stating that he wants to be paid what he believes he is worth. However, the UFC has been known for not giving in to fighter’s demands, and it seems like they are not willing to make an exception for Jones.
In conclusion, while Jones’ statement about training for the White House event may have raised expectations among fans, it is unlikely that he will be getting the same payday as McGregor. Jones’ lack of mainstream popularity, recent legal troubles, and high demands for a paycheck have all contributed to the UFC’s decision not to pay him $15 million. However, this does not take away from the fact that Jones is still one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, and his return to the octagon will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event.
